Chapter 33: A Time The screech of tires echoed through narrow of city, piercing contrast to the muffled of distant traffic. Ava’s tightened the steering knuckles with determination. Liam scanned their surroundings, eyes and alert. “We’re he said, voice taut with urgency. “Take the next left. nodded, her focus she jerked the wheel, sending the car into a sharp turn. The outside blurred a of neon and the city’s the rapid thump of her heart. Every corner they rounded brought them closer to the and yet the threats seemed multiply, shadows morphing into potential dangers. “Watch out!” Liam pointing a black SUV barreled toward them. Ava reacted instinctively, swerving to avoid the collision. The vehicles scraped each other with a metallic scream, the side mirror shattering upon impact. “Damn it!” Ava hissed, straightening the car. “They’re everything they’ve got at us. Liam her, mix of admiration and concern in his gaze. get through this. We have to. As they weaved the labyrinthine streets, Ava’s mind raced back to the informant’s message. The man had risked everything contact them, revealing hidden faction business empire. The thought of from within gnawed at her, fueling her resolve. can’t let them away,” she muttered, her foot pressing harder on the accelerator. car roared in the distance between them and fleeing vehicle. Liam’s phone a quick revealing a map sent by their support. “There’s a shortcut coming up. If we take it, can cut them off. Ava nodded, her eyes narrowing in concentration. The next turn appeared, and she took it with calculated precision. The jolted it uneven pavement, cityscape giving way to an industrial area. The flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows on the abandoned warehouses, adding to the tension. “There!” Liam pointed to a gap between two buildings. “They’ll have to slow down to navigate that. It’s our chance. Ava accelerated, the engine growling with exertion. They sped toward the gap, but just as they neared, a barrage gunfire erupted. Ava swerved, the car skidding as bullets peppered the ground them. “Hold she shouted, wrestling with wheel. The car fishtailed managed to straighten out, narrowly avoiding a collision with dumpster. Liam out the window, returning fire with practiced precision. The vehicles backed giving them respite. almost there,” Ava gritted eyes fixed on the target vehicle. It now within reach, the desperate face visible through rear window. But then, as if their another obstacle appeared. A of masked men emerged the blocking their path. Ava slammed on brakes, the car screeching to a halt. “This good,” Liam muttered, his grip on gun tightening. heart pounded. “We have to fight our way through. no other option. The masked men advanced, raised. Ava and Liam exchanged glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They threw open the doors, using them as shields. The night chaos as bullets flew and shouts the air. Ava’s world narrowed to immediate task of survival. She fired a cold precision, every shot driven the need protect those she cared about. Beside Liam was a blur of motion, his combat skills from years of training. In the of the a voice crackled through Ava’s earpiece. we’ve got backup en route. Hold tight. Relief mingled with adrenaline coursing through veins. “Roger that. We’re not letting them take the informant. Just as words left lips, the informant’s car screeched to a ahead. The man stumbled out, eyes with fear. “Help me!” he darting toward them. But could react, a dark figure the shadows, tackling the informant to the ground. A fierce ensued, the screams cutting through the night. Ava shouted, covering as sprinted informant. Liam reached the pulling the assailant off yank. The two men grappled, each fighting with desperate intensity. Ava’s heart clenched as watched, the seconds stretching into eternity. Finally, Liam gained the upper hand, delivering a punch that sent attacker sprawling. He helped the informant to his feet, half-dragging him toward the car. But as they approached, another group of enemies appeared, emerging the shadows like specters. “Ava!” Liam shouted, eyes wide with alarm. Ava’s stomach dropped. She fired a shot, but the enemies advancing. There was no only to act. She grabbed the informant, shoving him into the seat. “Stay down and stay quiet!” Liam jumped into the passenger seat, but as reached for the a masked figure grabbed him, yanking him out with brutal force. Ava’s scream echoed through the night. “Liam!” She reached her gun, but another figure appeared, the door shut and pinning her inside the car. surged as she fought against the restraining grip, her world narrowing to the desperate struggle Liam. Follow new on the “BunnyBookery”. Outside, men overpowered him, dragging him away. Ava’s vision with of and fear. She slammed fists against a guttural cry of rage tearing her throat. The last thing saw before the world plunged into was Liam’s determined gaze, silently urging keep fighting. went dark. The deafening, broken only by the distant of sirens. breath came in gasps, her body trembling with the aftermath of the struggle. She couldn’t let take Liam. She wouldn’t. With a of purpose, she kicked the door open, stumbling out into the night. The seemed to close in around her, a labyrinth of shadows and danger. But she wouldn’t stop. until she had Liam back, safe and sound. As she off the direction they had taken him, of the in her mind. a hidden within your family’s business. They’re more dangerous than can imagine. Ava knew running out of time. But she also knew one thing with absolute certainty: she wouldn’t let them win. Not now, ever. And with that, disappeared into the a fierce determination burning her eyes. The race against time just begun.