Lena's pov
The cold night wrapped around me like a shroud as I slipped through shadowed streets, heart pounding with every step. I couldn't shake the feeling—I was being watched. The message, You can't hide forever, replayed in my mind, sharper than a blade.
I needed help. No matter how skilled I was, I couldn't face this alone.
Pulling out my phone, I typed a quick encrypted message to Mara — my handler, my only lifeline who knew the full extent of my double life.
"Suspected hostile surveillance on campus. Need backup ASAP. Meeting at safehouse."
The reply was swift. "Understood. ETA 15 minutes. Stay safe."
Every second stretched painfully as I moved toward the rendezvous point, eyes darting to every shadow, every flicker of movement. The city around me felt alien, dangerous.
I slipped into a narrow alley, hoping to lose any tails, my breath shallow in the cold air. Then I heard it—a sudden, sharp noise behind me.
I spun just in time to see a figure emerge from the darkness, face obscured by a black hoodie. There was no hesitation in their approach—only intent.
"Got you now," the voice was low, threatening.
Adrenaline surged through me. My hand darted to my pocket, but before I could react fully, a heavy blow connected with my side, knocking the wind out of me. Pain exploded along my ribs, and I staggered.
The attacker moved quickly, trying to pin me against the cold brick wall. I fought back fiercely—training kicking in as I twisted, delivering a sharp strike to their jaw.
They grunted but didn't relent. A swift punch caught me across the cheek, and stars exploded behind my eyes.
"Who sent you?" I demanded through gritted teeth, dodging another swing.
They didn't answer.
Another punch came, and I barely managed to block it, my vision blurring. The cold night air filled my lungs as I struggled to stay upright.
Just as I felt myself weakening, headlights flooded the alley. Mara's SUV screeched to a halt, and Mara was out in an instant, pulling out a stun gun.
"Step away!" she commanded.
The attacker hesitated, then bolted into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as they'd appeared.
I sank against the wall, breath ragged, heart hammering not just from the fight but from fear—the threat was closer than ever.
Mara crouched beside me, her eyes fierce but relieved. "You okay?"
I nodded shakily, wiping blood from my lip. "This isn't over."
She helped me to my feet. "No, it's not. But now we know they're willing to get physical. We tighten security. We get smarter."
As we moved toward the safehouse, every shadow seemed darker, every sound sharper. The hunt had turned deadly.
And I wasn't sure how long I could keep running.