Elena and Isabella awoke at dawn, the early morning light casting a soft glow through the dense forest canopy. The air was crisp and filled with the earthy scent of pine and damp leaves. The previous night's chill still clung to their bones, but neither woman felt it. Their minds were already on the journey ahead—on reaching Marco before Giovanni's men could catch up to them.
Elena felt a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline coursing through her veins. Sleep had been fleeting, plagued by haunting images of Luca's bloody face and Teresa's betrayal. She knew she couldn't afford to dwell on them now. They had to keep moving, had to stay focused.
Isabella moved with practiced efficiency, gathering their few supplies and securing them in a small rucksack. "We need to stay off the main paths," she said quietly. "Giovanni's men will be patrolling them. The mountains are treacherous, but it's our best shot."
Elena nodded, her determination firm. "I'm ready. Let's go."
As they started their climb up the mountain, the terrain quickly became more challenging. The path was narrow, flanked by jagged rocks and loose gravel. Elena stumbled more than once, her legs still sore from the previous day's sprint through the woods, but she gritted her teeth and pushed on.
Isabella was relentless, her pace brisk despite the rugged terrain. Elena admired her resilience; it was clear she had been through worse than this. As they climbed higher, the forest began to thin, giving way to sparse patches of grass and scrubby bushes. The air grew thinner, cooler. Elena could feel the altitude pressing against her chest, each breath more labored than the last.
They paused briefly on a rocky outcrop to catch their breath and survey their surroundings. From here, they could see the dense forest they had emerged from, a dark sea of green stretching out below them. The villa was a mere dot on the horizon, shrouded in mist.
Isabella pointed to a distant peak. "Marco's hideout is on the other side of that ridge. It's still a few hours' hike, but we're making good time."
Elena nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "Good. The sooner we get there, the better."
Isabella glanced at her, a small frown creasing her brow. "How are you holding up?"
Elena forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just...thinking about Luca. I hope he's okay."
Isabella's expression softened. "He's tough. If anyone can survive, it's him. But right now, we need to focus on the task at hand."
Elena knew she was right, but she couldn't shake the gnawing worry in her gut. Luca had become more than just an ally. She had seen the depths of his courage and the strength of his convictions. She knew he would fight to his last breath to protect her—and that thought both comforted and terrified her.
As they continued their climb, Elena noticed Isabella glancing back more frequently, her expression tense. "Do you think they're close?" Elena asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Isabella nodded. "Giovanni won't rest until he finds us. We need to stay sharp. Keep your eyes and ears open."
The tension between them was palpable, each step a reminder of the danger lurking just beyond the next bend. They moved in silence, every crack of a twig or rustle of leaves setting their nerves on edge. Elena's heart pounded in her chest, her senses hyper-alert to every sound, every shadow.
After a particularly steep ascent, they reached a plateau. Isabella signaled for Elena to stop, crouching low behind a boulder. Elena followed suit, her breath hitching as she listened for any signs of pursuit. The air was still, save for the distant call of a bird and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
