Unfading Shadows [2]

66 {The End}

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As Ren's body crashed to the ground below, Miray was on the verge of screaming, but Rayan swiftly covered her mouth with his hand, wrapping his other arm protectively around her waist. "Please don't scream; they're close," he urgently whispered, feeling her tears against his fingers.

He rested his head on top of hers, drawing her closer as her body trembled with fear. "Shh, it's okay. He'll be okay. We won't leave him," he reassured her, his voice calm despite the chaos around them. "Just focus on your breathing. I'll find a way to rescue him." he promised.

With her back resting against his chest, she leaned in closer, trying to focus on his heartbeat to calm her fears.

She wasn't alone.

She wasn't alone this time.

Rayan was here.

Rayan was with her.

"Let's get down," Rayan instructed as he gently guided Miray to sit beside him. With his hand firmly holding hers, he leaned over the edge of the hole, trying to peer into the darkness below. But it was too dark to see anything, just shadows all around, hiding Ren from view.

"Ren?" Rayan whisper called, but there was no response from the depths of the hole. 

Frustration gnawed at him as he glanced behind him, spotting the men drawing nearer with each passing moment. He felt sweat breaking out as he realized they were running out of time.

Rayan's gaze lingered on Miray for a brief moment, his mind racing as he assessed their options. "May, I'll help you down, and then I'll come right after you, okay?" he said urgently, his voice barely above a whisper. "Don't be scared; I promise I'll follow right after you," he said softly, his hand gently caressing her cheek in the darkness of the night.

Rayan knew that persuading her to leave Ren behind was useless, so he didn't even try.

Miray nodded tearfully and Rayan swiftly assisted her down into the darkness, ensuring her safety before he followed her down just in time.

They barely escaped the approaching footsteps of the men, who passed by the hole without noticing it.

Rayan blindly reached for Miray's trembling body and pressed it tightly against his own. As she was close, too close that he could feel the chill radiating from her skin, He felt her breaths against his neck, harsh and quick, a stark contrast to the stillness of the night around them.

He knew they were not out of danger yet, and he had to do something.

He moved his hand blindly in the darkness, searching for Ren. When his fingers finally made contact with his hand, he quickly felt for his pulse, relieved to find it steady.

"Miray," he whispered urgently, "I need Ren's phone. Do you still have it?" he asked, wanting to assess Ren's condition.

Miray, struggling to respond, weakly tried to fish the phone out of her pocket, but her hands trembled uncontrollably.

"P-pocket," she managed to utter. Then she grabbed Rayan's t-shirt weakly, "R-Ren?" she asked shakily, her voice barely audible.

"He's here, I found him, he's okay, don't worry..." Rayan reassured before he nervously continued, "How about the phone..." he reminded, hesitating to retrieve it. He knew Miray hated anyone touching her and didn't want to further distress her.