ON THE RUN
The city blurred past Leon's windshield, neon lights streaking across the rain-slick streets. Elliana clung to him, heart racing, breath uneven, her mind spinning with what they'd just done.
"We can't go back," Leon said, voice low, eyes fixed on the road. "Austen's framed me, and your dad… he's not going to let this go."
Elliana swallowed hard. "I know. But I had to help you."
He glanced at her, a mixture of frustration and awe in his gaze. "You're reckless."
"And you're impossible," she shot back, managing a small smile despite the adrenaline pumping through her veins.
For the first few minutes, they drove in silence, the hum of the engine their only companion. The thrill of escape was intoxicating—but so was the fear. Every shadow could be an informant. Every turn could lead them into another trap.
"We need a safe place," Leon muttered, turning sharply down a narrow alley. "Somewhere we can regroup and plan."
Elliana nodded, hands gripping the seat. "And then?"
Leon exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Then we figure out Austen. And Rhea. And… everything else."
The mention of Rhea made Elliana flinch. "She's still out there. And she'll come for me."
"She already is," Leon admitted grimly. "But I won't let her touch you. Not her. Not anyone."
Elliana looked at him, her chest tightening. "I… I don't care about the danger anymore. I'm not leaving you, Leon. No matter what."
For a moment, Leon's tough exterior cracked, and he reached over to pull her close. "You're insane," he whispered.
"And you love it," she teased, a small laugh escaping despite the fear.
They found an abandoned garage on the edge of the city—a place Leon had used before when he needed to hide his car. It wasn't much, but it was safe… for now.
As they sat inside, catching their breath, Leon finally let himself relax, just slightly. Elliana rested her head against his shoulder. The warmth between them felt like the only real thing in a world that had become chaotic and dangerous.
"I need to tell you something," Leon said suddenly, voice low.
Elliana tilted her head up to meet his eyes. "What is it?"
"It's about your mom," he admitted, hesitation heavy in his words. "Something I should have told you a long time ago… but I couldn't."
Elliana's heart skipped, a mix of dread and curiosity swirling inside her. "Now?"
Leon nodded. "Now. Because you deserve the truth… before it's too late."
Elliana's hands trembled as she reached for his. "I'm ready."
And in that moment, as the rain beat softly against the garage roof and the city outside remained oblivious to their escape, Elliana realized one terrifying truth:
She wasn't just fighting for love anymore.
She was fighting for survival.
And the next moves would decide everything.