Ste''s car had long since been modified by Joshua-reinforced windows, bulletproof panels, the works. But tonight, the enemy''s firepower was overwhelming. Even the armored ss began to splinter with web-like cracks. It hadn''t shattered yet, but at this rate, it was only a matter of time.


    Ahead of them, multiple headlights flickered on. Out here, on this deserted back road, it was rare to see a single car, let alone a convoy. The message was clear: these vehicles were here for them.<fn7d2a> Fresh chapters posted on Find★Novel</fn7d2a>


    Joshua''s usually calm expression hardened. "This road is too narrow," he told Ste, voice tight. "And with that many cars blocking us, if we try to ram through, we''ll end up tumbling off the cliff.”


    On one side of their route, a sheer drop vanished into darkness. On the other, the thick tangle of forest loomed. If they plunged off the cliff, it would be instant death. But crashing into the trees wasn''t much better-once the car was wrecked, they''d be sitting ducks for their pursuers.


    Every option was a gamble with terrible odds.


    Joshua was an expert behind the wheel, and there was no one she''d rather have driving in a crisis. But even he wasn''t invincible. Surrounded front and back by armed men, he couldn''t hope to fight them off alone.


    He made a decision in a heartbeat. “Star, get ready. We''re ditching the car soon."


    Ste had been through this before. Her fingers were steady as she nodded. "Okay."


    Joshua handed her a pistol-sleek and cold in her palm. "If you have to, use it to protect yourself."


    Ste nodded again and took the gun. After moving to Solmaris, she''d learned to shoot; in this country, safety was a luxury, and she had more enemies than friends. She wasn''t a natural with weapons, but Joshua''s training had gotten her to a passable level.


    Joshua floored the gas, swerving to clip a few of the attackers'' cars and send them spinning off the road. Then he veered into the dense woods. They made it barely fifty feet before the car mmed into a thick tree trunk, shuddering to a stop.


    But both of them had been braced for this. As soon as the car stopped, they slipped out into the shadows, letting the cover of night swallow them.


    Their pursuers weren''t amateurs. They were organized, disciplined, and frighteningly efficient.


    Outnumbered, Ste and Joshu


    could hear shouts behind them and the snap of twigs under heavy


    boots. The search parties were closing in faster than she''d expected.  s


    Joshua leaned close, voice low. "Star, in a minute, I''ll draw them away. You stay


    hidden. When I''m done, I''lle back for you."


    Ste knew the truth: sticking with Joshua would only slow him down. If she couldn''t help, at least she wouldn''t get in the way.


    She whispered, "All right."


    As the words left her lips, a gunshot split the air. Joshua spun, firing a single shot —one of their attackers, lurking in the darkness, dropped to the ground without a sound.


    That shot changed everything. Suddenly, the assassins'' attention zeroed in on Joshua, and chaos erupted.


    Ste ducked into the undergrowth, heart pounding. Bright beams from the attackers'' cars cut through the darkness, illuminating every movement.


    Joshua''s position was blown. Knives shed in the moonlight-these killers were as skilled with des as with guns. Sensing a close-quarters fight, several drew knives and.


    advanced, while others kept their distance guns trained on o Joshua,


    ready to shoot the moment he was in their sights.  s


    Ste trusted Joshua''s skills, but watching from afar, she felt her breath catch. Then she spotted a figure—a killer slipping silently through the trees, circling behind Joshua.


    She didn''t know if Joshua had seen him, but she couldn''t risk assuming he had There were too many of them and judging by their ruthless precision, none would hesitate to put the trigger.  s