The compound was quiet, but Zara's heart raced. Tonight was their only chance. Every second counted. She flexed her fingers, testing the ropes that bound her — not for long now.
She glanced at the prisoner beside her. Their eyes met, silently agreeing: it was now or never.
Using a moment when the guards shifted positions, Zara slipped the hairpin into the lock. Click. The ropes fell away. Her pulse thundered in her ears.
They crept through the dark corridors, shadows blending with their movements. Every footstep brought them closer to freedom — or discovery.
Suddenly, a guard appeared around a corner. Zara pushed the prisoner behind a crate and lunged forward, knocking the guard off balance. The sound of the scuffle echoed, and other footsteps grew louder.
"Move!" she hissed, grabbing the prisoner's hand. Together, they sprinted toward the exit, dodging guards and ducking behind pillars.
Outside, the night air hit Zara like a shock — cold, sharp, real. She ran through the compound's outer courtyard, heart pounding. Freedom felt within reach.
But then a voice called from above. A spotlight swept across the yard, illuminating the fleeing pair. Guards poured from hidden doors, surrounding them.
Zara skidded to a halt. Her mind raced. There was no way through. The prisoner whispered, "Go! Take the left path — I'll distract them."
"No! We leave together!" Zara shouted, but the prisoner shook their head and vanished into the shadows.
Zara had no choice. She veered left, sprinting toward the city outskirts. Behind her, the prisoner's actions caused chaos, giving her precious seconds.
When she finally slowed, gasping and trembling, she looked back — the compound faded into the distance, but a shadowy figure lingered on the rooftop, watching.
A chill ran down her spine. The Ashes weren't just a secret anymore. They were a threat — and the mastermind was closer than she had ever imagined.