Chapter 31

Ecca pov:

We ran through the overgrown alley behind the university building, the sharp blast of alarms echoing in our ears like gunfire. My lungs burned with every breath, my legs pumping harder than they had in years, driven by the primal need to protect Caleb, to survive. Davis was just ahead of me, clutching the laptop like it was a lifeline which, in this moment, it absolutely was.

The cold air stung my face, mixed with sweat and panic. My hands trembled. We have proof, I thought fiercely. We have something that can stop this.

But the shadow of pursuit was never far behind.

I glanced back no sign of immediate pursuit, but we didn’t slow down. Not yet.

When we finally burst out onto the cracked pavement where Davis had parked the car, Nora was there, holding Caleb tightly. His eyes were wide, scared. My son. My heart caught.

“Get in,” Davis barked. Nora hurried toward the passenger seat. I slid in beside her, Caleb slipping into my arms.

The engine roared as Davis peeled out, tires