Chapter 15: Into the Shadows

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Ava stumbled through the shadows, her heart racing in sync with her frantic thoughts. The cold night air bit at her skin, but it was nothing compared to the chill of the guard's lifeless body left behind in the tunnel. She couldn't dwell on that now; she had to focus on escaping, on surviving.

The old warehouse loomed ahead, its windows shattered and doors hanging askew. She ducked inside, the stale scent of mold and decay filling her nostrils. It felt like a forgotten relic, a place that had been swallowed by time, and for a moment, it offered her a strange comfort. Here, she could hide, gather her thoughts, and plan her next move.

As she crept deeper into the warehouse, beams of moonlight illuminated patches of dust dancing in the air. Each footstep echoed ominously, but she pressed on, her pulse quickening with every rustle and creak around her. Suddenly, a noise interrupted her thoughts—voices, low but urgent, drifting through the darkness.

"Check the perimeter! She can't have gone far!"

Ava froze. They're looking for me. The realization sent a jolt of fear through her veins. She couldn't afford to be found. I need to leave, and fast.

Looking around, she spotted a fire escape at the far end of the warehouse. If she could reach it, she might have a chance to slip out before they found her.

With each cautious step, she strained to listen, trying to piece together their conversations.

"—we can't let her talk. If she knows anything, she's a risk to all of us!" one voice growled, sending a shiver down her spine.

What do they know? Her mind raced with possibilities. Could it be about Michael? About her family?

As she neared the fire escape, a loud crash reverberated through the warehouse, shaking her from her thoughts. Ava's heart dropped. The search party had burst inside. She quickly climbed onto the metal structure, praying it wouldn't creak under her weight.

From her vantage point, she could see a group of men storming through the main entrance, their flashlights cutting through the dark like knives. They shouted to one another, their urgency palpable. I need to get out before they find me.

Just as she reached the top of the fire escape, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She had managed to slip it into her clothing before being taken to the prison, hiding it deep within the folds of her pants. With trembling hands, she pulled it out, her heart leaping at the sight of a message from Lucas: "Ava, where are you? I'm coming to get you. Please respond."

Relief washed over her. She quickly typed back: "I'm in an old warehouse. I think they're searching for me."

Almost immediately, another message came through: "Stay hidden. I'll be there soon."

She took a deep breath, grateful for Lucas's determination. But what if he's followed? The thought made her stomach churn. She had to ensure he didn't walk into a trap.

As she moved deeper into the warehouse, she started to formulate a plan. I can't let him walk into danger. She looked around, searching for something to signal him without exposing herself. A broken window might be her best bet, but she needed to be cautious.

The footsteps grew louder, now punctuated by shouts. They were close. Ava's pulse quickened as she spotted a fire escape at the far end of the warehouse. If she could reach it, she might have a chance to slip out before they found her.

Taking a deep breath, she made her way silently through the shadows, keeping her movements slow and deliberate. With each step, the voices became clearer.

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