I collided hard with the ground, my limbs splaying out to catch myself, but the impact knocked the breath from my lungs.
I tried to move and failed.
Behind me, tires screeched as Yuri slammed on the brakes, already coming after me.
I forced myself up, ignoring the protest of my body and the intense pain as I pushed forward. I had seen the path that led to my escape for only a second, but it was enough.
I had to run.
Slipping between narrow lanes of stacked cargo containers, arranged like a maze, I zigged and zagged through the towering corridors. Yuri shouted my name behind me, his footsteps echoing as he tried to follow.
I attempted to map an exit route, but the containers were stacked too high on either side, so I couldn’t see past them or orient myself. With no other option, I just kept moving, praying I would find a way out before Yuri caught me.
I rounded a corner too fast and slammed straight into someone. A stocky, balding man with a clipboard clutched in one hand and a hard hat on his head.
“Woah—hey!” he said, steadying me. “Slow down, Miss. Are you okay? Do you need help?”
My eyes went wide. My mouth opened—
Nothing came out.
The words stayed locked in my throat.
"Shh, it’s okay,” he said, softer now. “I’m gonna call someone. You’re okay.”
He reached for my arm.
I flinched back, dodging his touch, retreating until my back hit the cold metal of a shipping container.
Somewhere in the distance, I could hear Yuri’s voice, muffled but getting closer.
The man unclipped a walkie from his belt and raised it to his mouth.
“Hey, boss,” he said. “I’ve got her over here.”
A beat of static.
Then—
“Coming.”
My blood ran cold when I heard that voice.
Marco's voice.
I tried to duck under the man’s arm, but he caught me, his thick fingers digging into my biceps, sending a wave of sharp discomfort through me.
I clawed at his grip, trying to pry myself free, but he held on, anchoring me in place.
My thoughts scattered.
His touch dragged at me, pulling me under, unraveling everything I had been holding together.
No.
Don’t touch me.
I wanted to scream it, to force the words out, but my trapped voice remained locked in my throat.
