e A

kin as he and Mabel lay behind the fence, hidden by the thick underbrush. Their breathing was heavy, mingling with the distant hum of the city, but Edward could

gled from the sprint, and a light sheen of sweat clung to her brow. The fear in her eyes was undeniable, bu

hey had me this time," sh

He could feel the tension in her muscles, her body still t

aking her head. "They won't s

whether it was schoolwork or petty high school drama-but this was something far deepe

," he said, his voice firm, b

termination that had gotten him involved in her dangerous world to begin with. A part of her hated it, the part that wanted to protect him f

admitted, her voice softer now. "I didn

mor in it. "You didn't drag me into anything. I came

d at him, and saw the boy she had once teased in class, the one who had always been there for her no matter what. And n

ispered, the words slipping o

usion flashing in his eyes.

eserve someone who isn't constantly looking over her shoulde

tle. He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "I'm

ve was a luxury she couldn't afford, that letting someone in would only put them in

admitted, her voice trembling. "I d

ing it gently. "We'll figure

-

ward's thoughts drifted back to the moments before the SUV had appeared-before the chaos and fear had taken over. He thought about

e hesitant. "Why didn't you

on her knees. "Because I didn't want you to

. "How am I lo

up to meet his. "Like you're... I don't know, like you're tr

outh to protest, bu

r problem, Edward. I did

nerability in her voice. "You're not my problem, Mabel. You're my friend. And

. She had been strong for so long, but hearing those words from Ed

whisper. "I'm so tired, Edward. I'm tired of running, tired of looking o

oulders. "You don't have to do this alone anymore," h

rself believe-if only for a moment-that maybe things could be

-

ching on the gravel path behind them shattered the quiet. Edward's body tensed immediatel

he whispered urgently,

tood, her eyes wide with fea

his gaze sweeping the shadows. "B

h earlier didn't offer much protection if someone knew they were there. As they hurried through the underbrush, Edward's mind raced

r was following them wasn't being subtle anymore. Edw

he wh

blurred around them, and the cool night air bit at their skin as they raced toward the edge

n't. Mabel was right beside him, her breath coming in ragged gasps, he

narrow alleyway between two old buildings up ahead. I

uted, pulling Mabe

otsteps echoed behind them, growing louder with each passing moment. Edward's heart pounded in

, everything

footstep

and gripping his tightly. They were so close to being caught, so close to whatever dang

muscles relaxing slightly. He glanced at Mabel, who was still

you think they're

't entirely sure. "I think so

rs straining for any sign of danger. But t

, his voice barely above a wh

heir eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of their pu

ealized they had narrowly escaped-again. But as they walked away from the

ontinue