WHO AM I

THE GAMES NOT OVER

The gunfire subsided, but the tension remained thick in the air as Phillip kept his eyes on the men in black. Lila's breathing was shallow, her back pressed against the cold, grimy dumpster. The streetlight flickered overhead, casting eerie shadows over the alley.

“Where did you learn to shoot like that?” Jasper asked in disbelief, peeking out from their hiding spot.

Phillip wiped sweat from his brow and gave a small, humorless smile. “Self-defense classes. Not exactly what they were for, but desperate times.”

“Well, remind me never to piss you off,” Jasper muttered, still half in shock.

Cathy, crouched next to them, nudged Lila gently. “You holding up?”

“I—I think so,” Lila stammered, though her heart was still pounding in her chest. She wasn’t used to any of this. She wasn’t a fighter; she wasn’t even sure what she was anymore. But one thing was clear—she couldn’t fall apart now.

“Not bad for your first gunfight,” Noah said, offering a grim smirk, his usual calm demeanor masking the storm brewing inside him.

Before Lila could respond, Kira motioned for them to move. “They’ll send more,” she said, her tone urgent. “We need to split up—draw them in different directions.”

“Wait, split up?” Jasper’s voice cracked as he stood. “I thought we were supposed to stick together? Isn’t that rule number one of every horror movie?”

“Yeah, and they all die anyway,” Kira replied dryly. “We’re better off confusing them. Less chance they catch us all.”

“Well, that’s just fantastic,” Jasper sighed. “So which one of us gets to be the unlucky character who trips and falls while running from the bad guys?”

“You, if you don’t shut up,” Kira snapped back, though there was a hint of a smirk in her eyes.

Cathy rolled her eyes. “Can we please focus on the life-threatening situation?”

“Agreed,” Phillip said. “We’ll meet back at the safe house, but take different routes. They won’t expect that.”

Kira nodded. “Noah, take Lila with you. Cathy and Jasper, you’re with me. Phillip, you cover our backs.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Noah said, his hand finding Lila’s once more.

As they prepared to move, Lila couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong. Everything felt off, like they were pieces in a game being played by forces far beyond their understanding.

“Be careful,” Phillip said, his voice low. “If you see anything strange—anything at all—don’t hesitate. Get out.”

“Strange?” Lila asked, her brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll know when you see it,” Phillip replied cryptically before turning and vanishing into the shadows.

Lila swallowed hard, nerves tingling down her spine. She wasn’t sure what that meant, but it didn’t sound good. She tightened her grip on Noah’s hand as they slipped through the narrow alley, moving as quietly as they could.

“You think we’re gonna make it out of this?” she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady.

Noah glanced at her, his gaze steady and reassuring despite the chaos surrounding them. “We have to.”

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed in the distance. They froze, their hearts hammering in unison. Lila’s pulse raced as the footsteps grew louder, closer.

Noah looked around, eyes sharp. “Get down,” he whispered, pulling her into a small alcove between two buildings.

Lila’s breath caught in her throat as the figures came into view—more men in black, scanning the area with flashlights. One wrong move, and they’d be caught.

Noah pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for her to stay quiet. She nodded, not daring to make a sound.

The men passed by, oblivious to their presence. Lila exhaled in relief once they were gone, her body trembling from the close call. Noah gave her a reassuring nod, but before they could move again, his phone buzzed with a message.

Lila glanced at the screen. It was from Phillip.

“Change of plans. Get to the docks. Don’t trust anyone.”

“What does that mean?” Lila asked, her voice filled with dread.

Noah’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s not good.”