Story 335: The Chase

The forest erupted into chaos as the roar of engines grew closer. Zara and Callum sprinted through the dense undergrowth, the glow of Syndicate searchlights cutting through the darkness behind them.

“Faster!” Zara barked, glancing over her shoulder. The Syndicate's pursuit vehicles, sleek and armored, plowed through the forest, their mounted spotlights sweeping for any sign of movement.

Callum staggered, his injuries slowing him down. “I’m not… gonna make it.”

Zara skidded to a stop, grabbing his arm and hoisting him upright. “Yes, you are. Keep moving.” Her tone left no room for argument.

Ahead, the forest thinned, revealing a ravine with a rushing river below. Zara’s mind raced. They couldn’t outrun the Syndicate on foot, not with Callum’s injuries and the drones likely circling back.

“Zara, what’s the plan?” Callum wheezed, clutching his side as they reached the edge of the ravine.