The Moment They Knew This Wasn't a Game
The instant Sebastian Voss told them to run, they felt it—the shift from reckless curiosity to actual survival mode.
This wasn't just some suspicious business deal.
This wasn't just their father keeping secrets.
This was something much worse.
And now?
They were in the middle of it.
Step 1: Running for Their Lives (Which Goes Horribly Wrong)
In theory, escaping should have been simple.
The alley had two exits, they were three young people with decent reflexes, and the approaching black-clad man clearly wasn't expecting them to bolt immediately.
But—as always—things did not go smoothly.
Horrific Mistakes That Immediately Happened:
Zephyr started overthinking escape routes, trying to calculate "optimal running angles," which resulted in him nearly crashing into Solene.Solene refused to run in a straight line, claiming zigzagging was better—except she had absolutely no idea if that was true.Caspian tripped over absolutely nothing, rolling into a trash can and briefly getting stuck—completely ruining their escape momentum.
By the time they reached the street, they were already breathless, barely ahead of whoever was after them.
And then—things got worse.
Step 2: The Chase Intensifies
As they turned the corner, they realized their pursuer wasn't alone.
Two more figures had appeared—both dressed sharply, both moving fast.
And suddenly?
This wasn't just a chase.
This was a full-scale pursuit.
"DON'T STOP," Zephyr shouted, finally dropping his usual corporate logic in favor of actual survival instinct.
Solene, furious about everything, screamed, "THIS IS NOT WHAT MY LIFE IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE."
Caspian—still recovering from his trash-can disaster—just yelled, "THIS IS WHY I DON'T EXERCISE."
And just like that, they ran straight into a crowded marketplace—fully exposed, fully panicked.
Step 3: The Disaster in the Marketplace
The marketplace was packed.
People were browsing stalls, arguing over prices, carrying bags of produce—completely unaware of the rich teenagers sprinting through their daily routine in complete chaos.
And then—things got even messier.
How They Instantly Ruined Their Own Escape:
Zephyr knocked over an entire table of oranges, causing a fruit avalanche that tripped him AND their pursuers.Solene, in a moment of pure survival panic, grabbed the nearest cart and tried to use it as a weapon—except it contained live chickens, which immediately escaped in every direction.Caspian attempted to "blend into the crowd" by picking up a random hat and jacket from a clothing stall—but in doing so, nearly got attacked by the vendor for attempted theft.
By the time they reached the other side, their pursuers had been slowed—but not stopped.
And now?
They needed a REAL way out.
Step 4: The Escape Route That Might Actually Work
Desperately scanning their surroundings, Zephyr spotted an old service tunnel entrance nearby—hidden behind a row of stacked crates.
"THERE," he shouted, grabbing Caspian by the sleeve and dragging him toward it.
Solene didn't argue, sprinting after them as fast as she could.
And just before their pursuers reached them—
They shoved open the tunnel door and disappeared inside.
The door slammed shut.
And suddenly—they were safe. For now.
They had barely survived.
They had made terrible decisions.
But now?
Now, they had a hiding spot.
And more importantly—they had time to figure out what to do next.
Because whoever was after them?
They weren't giving up.
And the next time they were found?
They might not get away so easily.