Chapter Narrow Escape you okay?” he whispered, his voice barely audible the of their hearts. Ava nodded, swallowing hard. She the adrenaline through veins, her hands tremble. They had barely escaped the assassination the bullets past like angry bees. The memory masked figure aiming the gun them still fresh in mind, the flash of the deafening of gunfire. Liam around the corner, body tense and to spring into action. “We can’t here,” he his voice despite urgency in his eyes. need keep moving. Ava took a deep and again. “Lead the way. They moved quickly but cautiously through the alleyways, sticking to the shadows. was a labyrinth narrow and dead ends, but Liam navigated it with ease, his familiarity with the evident in strides. As they rounded corner, Liam suddenly stopped, holding out a hand to Ava. She froze, heart leaping into her throat. Ahead of them, a figure stood silhouetted against moonlight, blocking their path. Ava’s pulse quickened, her mind racing with possible escape routes. close,” Liam murmured, his brushing hers. The brief sent a shiver her spine, but pushed the aside, on the threat ahead. The figure stepped forward, a lean, muscular frame. glint of steel the moonlight, Ava realized the figure holding a knife. Her breath caught in her throat as the attacker towards them. reacted Ava and pulling her behind him. He met the attacker head-on, their bodies colliding a sickening thud. The knife in the moonlight as they grappled, their movements a blur of violence and desperation. Ava’s mind raced. scanned the alleyway for could be used as weapon. Her eyes landed on discarded metal lying a few feet away. thinking, she darted it, the cold metal heavy in her hands. “Liam!” she tossing the pipe towards him. Liam caught the pipe with all his might, the metal connecting with the attacker’s with a resounding crack. The attacker crumpled to the ground, unconscious or worse. Liam stood over the fallen figure, breathing the pipe still clenched his fist. Ava hurried to his side, her heart pounding in her chest. “Are you hurt?” Liam shook his his eyes leaving the attacker. We need to go, now. They continued journey through the of alleyways, their pace quickening. The city them seemed to hold its breath, usual of activity replaced by an oppressive silence. Every shadow, every of set Ava’s nerves on edge. they reached a rundown edge city. pushed open the they slipped closing it behind them. The interior was dark and the thick with the smell of mold and decay. But it was safe, for now. Ava sank to the floor, back the wall, her body trembling with exhaustion relief. Liam crouched beside his scanning her face for any of injury. you,” she said, her voice a whisper. saved my life. Liam his head. saved each other. That was quick with the pipe. Ava managed a smile. “Guess we make a good team. Liam’s expression softened, and for a moment, the tension between eased. They sat in the weight their narrow escape settling them like a heavy blanket. “We can’t keep like Ava said finally, her voice fear still gnawing her insides. “We need to go on the offensive. nodded, his jaw set with determination. “Agreed. But first, need a plan. Ava’s mind raced possibilities. The assassins relentless, staying on the defensive would only get them killed. They to strike back, find out who was behind the attacks and take them down. “We’ll need allies,” she said, thinking out loud. “People who can help get provide resources. Liam’s eyes glinted with a dangerous light. know few people who might be to help. But going to be risky. Ava gaze, her resolve hardening. “I’m willing to risk. can’t this alone. Liam reached and took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “We’ll get this, Ava. For the first time since attack, Ava felt flicker of hope. She squeezed Liam’s hand, drawing strength from his presence. They had assassination attempt, and now, they would take the their enemies.