After they slipped away from the old man, they took off down the narrow alleys, hearts pounding so loud they could almost hear each other's. Their feet scuffed the dusty ground, and every breath felt sharp, burning in their chests. The night wrapped around them like a thick, heavy blanket — it hid them, but it also made every shadow feel like a hand reaching out to grab them.
They squeezed into a tight passage between two broken, crumbling walls. It was so narrow they had to turn sideways, sliding along slowly. The air was musty, almost choking, and the darkness felt like it was pressing against their skin.
"Maria, the light!" Vinci whispered, his voice tense and shaky.
Maria's hands fumbled in the dark. Her fingers finally found the switch, and a thin beam from her small flashlight shot out, slicing through the black. The light danced wildly on the rough stone walls as her hands shook.
But just then, at the far end of the passage, a girl was about to step into her house. The sudden light hit her square in the face. She froze on the spot, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights.
She gasped sharply, turned on her heel, and dashed inside. The door slammed shut behind her with a loud thud that seemed to echo forever.
Maria lowered the flashlight slowly. "Oh no…" she whispered, her voice tiny and afraid.
"What now?!" Einstein snapped, turning around as if guards would jump out any second.
"What if she's someone important? A general's daughter? We're doomed!" Vinci said, his voice rising, close to breaking.
"Move! Just move!" Hawkings hissed, already shoving them forward, his eyes wild.
They stumbled out of the narrow passage and into a wider street lined with dark, silent houses. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, loud enough to make them flinch at their own noise. But they didn't stop. They kept running, hearts hammering, feet barely touching the ground.
Finally, they ducked into a dark corner, pressing themselves against the cold wall, trying to disappear into the shadows. The moon was high above, casting a pale silver light over the empty street, making everything look ghostly and strange.
Maria was the first to speak, her voice shaking. "Where are we going to sleep? It's almost midnight…"They looked at each other, eyes wide, faces pale. Fear clung to them, but under it, there was something stronger ; that wild, stubborn spark that had carried them this far.
Then Vinci, always the joker, let out a nervous laugh. "Well… maybe we can watch some TikTok to chill out."
Einstein stared at him, stunned, before flicking Vinci's forehead with a sharp snap. ""TikTok?! Vinci, we're in 336 BC ; you think they have internet here, genius?"
Hawkings cracked up, nearly doubling over. "Exactly! Leave that to Maria. She's the TikTok queen here!"
Maria threw her hands up, looking horrified. "Oh come on! Why is it always me?!"
Hawkings just shrugged, still laughing. "Hey, can't help it. Facts are facts."
Eliza, who had been keeping watch, turned back to them with an exasperated smile. "Guys! Focus! If anyone finds us, we're in serious trouble. We could get executed on the spot for looking like spies or thieves." She paused, her voice softer now. "We can't mess this up. We're too important… and we're not done yet."
They fell silent for a moment. The weight of her words pressed on them like a heavy cloak.
Einstein finally nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay. We stay here tonight. We find a corner to hide, take turns keeping watch. At first light, we move. We'll figure out the city when it's safer."
Vinci sighed, trying to sound hopeful. "Maybe tomorrow we'll find someone friendly… someone who can help us hide, or at least tell us where not to step."
Their eyes met ; scared, exhausted, but still burning with that stubborn light.
Maria managed a small, tired smile. "We've come this far. We can keep going. Together."
Hawkings nodded, leaning against the wall. "Yeah… just staying alive is a win right now."
They all chuckled quietly, the sound soft and fragile, but it felt good. Like a tiny spark in the dark.
One by one, they pulled their robes tighter, trying to fight off the cold creeping up their backs. Even as they settled onto the dusty ground, their minds kept racing. They were in a world they had only read about, and now, every moment felt sharp and real, like they were standing on the edge of a cliff.
Above them, the stars glittered silently, as if they were holding their breath, waiting to see what these brave, crazy kids would do next.
Just as they started to drift into uneasy sleep, a heavy sound cut through the air — footsteps, slow and steady, echoing closer.
Then a deep voice, strong and commanding, rang out from the darkness.
"Who goes there? Show yourselves!"
Their eyes shot open. Every heartbeat felt like an explosion.
And just like that, the night turned dangerous all over again...
"Who's that "..