The Chase Shoot them! Rafael roars, his voice booming through the chaos, harsh and filled with rage.
Elenas heart skips a beat as she hears the order, and a chill runs down her spine.
She can feel itthis is no longer just about escaping; this is a fight for survival.
Without missing a beat, Rafaels men spring into action.
The sharp crack of gunshots cuts through the air, echoing in the churchs high, vaulted ceilings.
Elena barely has time to react before shes yanked forward by Alexander, his hand gripping hers tightly.
We need to go! Now! Alexander hisses, his voice urgent, desperate.
The two of them dart through the thick cloud of smoke and chaos, pushing past panicked guests who are now screaming and running in every direction.
Elena cant focus on anything but the pounding of her heart, the sound of her breath coming out in ragged gasps.
She doesnt dare look back, doesnt want to see the men closing in, the deadly force getting closer with every step.
Keep moving! Alexander urges, pulling her toward a side door that leads out into a narrow alley behind the church.
But before they reach it, a bullet ricochets off the stone wall nearby, sending them both into a panic.
Elena ducks instinctively, tugging on Alexanders arm to pull him to the ground with her.
She can hear the rapid fire of gunshots now, close enough that she can feel the air shift with every one.
Get down! Alexander growls, pushing her behind a column for cover.
Her heart is pounding so loudly in her ears that she can barely hear anything else.
A bullet tears through the air, narrowly missing Alexanders shoulder.
He winces, but its not enough to stop him.
Hes already pulling her up again, urging her forward.
We dont have much time! he says through gritted teeth, his grip on her arm tight.
They break from cover and bolt toward the back door.
But as soon as they move, more shots come at them.
Elena hears the whistle of bullets flying by her, too close for comfort.
She stumbles but Alexander doesnt let go.
He pulls her along, not stopping for anything, even though the fear is written all over his face.
Theyre almost to the escape car.
Almost there, but theyre not there yet.
Just a little further! Alexander grits out, his breath labored as they charge forward.
But then, a sharp crack of gunfire stops her in her tracks.
A scream catches in Elenas throat, but its not her own.
Alexander grunts in pain, and when she turns to look, his arm is bleeding, a dark red stain spreading across his shirt.
No! Elena gasps, her eyes widening in horror as she sees him stagger slightly.
He tries to keep moving, but his pace slows, his arm hanging limply at his side.
He grits his teeth and tries to push through the pain, but Elena can see it in his eyesthe injury is bad.
We need to keep moving! he urges, his voice rough.
No, youre hurt! Elena protests, panic surging through her as she looks at his arm.
Blood is dripping from the wound, the bright red staining his sleeve.
Youre not okay, we need to stop and Later, he interrupts, his voice low but firm.
We get to that car, or this is all over.
Elena doesnt know whether shes more terrified for him or for herself.
She looks around, trying to find some kind of escape route, but Rafaels men are everywhere, closing in on them from every direction.
Just a little further, she says, her voice shaky as she helps Alexander limp toward the car, his injured arm dragging uselessly at his side.
She feels the weight of the world on her shoulders, the fear creeping up her spine.
They cant be caught.
They cant.
Another shot rings out, and this time, its too close.
The bullet grazes past her shoulder, just missing her, and Elena screams, ducking instinctively.
Her heart is racing, her pulse pounding in her ears.
Shes barely able to keep herself together as she pulls Alexander forward.
But the pain in his face is growing.
His steps are slower now, the blood loss taking its toll on him.
Elena feels like shes dragging him, his weight pressing down on her as they stumble toward the car.
Almost there, she whispers under her breath, trying to push the fear away, trying to stay focused.
The escape car is just a few yards ahead, the engine roaring in anticipation, the driver ready to go.
But the closer they get, the more Elena feels the tension building.
She can almost feel Rafaels men closing in, feel their footsteps just behind them.
Come on, come on… she urges, her voice cracking.
Theyre so close, but not close enough.
Another shot.
Its loud, its close, and Elenas blood runs cold when she hears it.
She pulls Alexander harder, ignoring the way his body trembles under her touch.
They cant stop now.
They cant.
With one last desperate push, they reach the car.
The door flies open, and Elena shoves Alexander inside, climbing in after him.
The driver doesnt waste any time, slamming his foot on the gas as soon as the door is closed.
But even as the car speeds away, Elena can still feel the weight of Rafaels men on their heels.
She glances over at Alexander, her hands trembling as she checks his arm.
Blood is still flowing, but its slowing.
For now.

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Hold on, well get you patched up, she says, her voice shaky but determined.
She cant lose him.
Not now.
Not like this.
Alexander just nods, his breathing labored.
We need to end this… before its too late.
Elena looks out the back window, her chest tightening as she sees the flashing lights of Rafaels men in the distance, the sound of their cars pursuing them growing louder.
Theyre not out of danger yet.
Not by a long shot.
And as Elena holds Alexander close, she knows one thing for surethe fight isnt over.
Not yet.
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