HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 16

Trapped at the Edge

They pushed through the thick foliage, every rustle heightening their anxiety. Ethan's heart raced against his ribs, and Lia's grip tightened as they searched for an escape route.

Breaking through the bushes, the terrain grew rocky and hazardous. The wind howled, and waves crashed against the unforgiving cliffs below.

"Now what?" Ethan's voice cracked with surprise as they halted at the cliff's edge.

Desperately scanning the area, Lia's mind raced. "We need cover. Somewhere they can't follow easily."

A voice cut sharply from behind, commanding and cruel. "Stop right there! There's no escape!"

Lia and Ethan turned to see armed men emerging from the woods, guns trained on them. The leader stepped forward, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"Think you can get away?" he sneered, raising his weapon at them.

"What do you want from us?" Lia shouted back, her voice tinged with concern.

The man chuckled darkly. "Miss, we don't need you. We need the man with you. Hand him over, and maybe we'll let you live."

Ethan squeezed Lia's hand tighter. "What has he done to you?" Lia demanded, her voice thick with worry. "Why can't you just let him live?"

"Let him live? You must be joking, Miss." The leader's eyes gleamed with malice. "It's better if you leave and abandon him."

Lia glanced at Ethan. He squeezed her hand, silently promising to protect her.

"I'm sorry, Ethan, but I want to survive," she whispered, barely audible over the roaring sea.

Ethan frowned in disbelief. "What?" Her words caught him off guard. "I thought..."

"Am I not sane, Ethan?" Lia's tone turned serious. "Do you think I'd choose death because of your troubles?"

Ethan looked at Lia, confusion clouding his gaze. He was surprised when she released his hand.

The armed men closed in, their patience wearing thin. Ethan looked at the cliff's edge, then back at Lia. "Lia..." he began, his voice laced with betrayal and desperation.

She couldn't bear to look back as she distanced herself from Ethan. Each step felt like a stab in her heart, but she saw no other option. Ethan's pleading eyes haunted her, guilt gnawing at her insides.

As she disappeared into the woods, the ocean's roar drowned out the men's distant voices.

"Smart move, Miss," the leader's voice echoed mockingly. "Look out for yourself before others."

Lia swallowed hard, quickening her pace. "Just hold on, Ethan," she whispered, almost lost amid the howling wind.

Ethan stood at the cliff's edge, the ground crumbling beneath him. Armed men advanced, their weapons trained on him, leaving him no escape route. Panic surged as he desperately sought a solution.

"It looks like your game is over," the leader sneered, his smile widening. "Let's see if you have nine lives!"

Ethan glanced at the crashing waves below, then back at the men. "I won't go down without a fight," he grumbled.

With fierce determination, Ethan lunged forward. The nearest man caught off guard, barely reacted before Ethan's fist struck his jaw, sending him staggering.

Chaos erupted in the forest. Leaves swirled, branches cracked, and the air filled with the sharp sounds of gunshots and combat grunts. Ethan moved with fluid precision amidst the turmoil.