Chapter 48: The Fire Within

The forest was alive with sound, a cacophony of rustling leaves, distant engines, and the faint hum of drones slicing through the night air. 

Emily and Damien moved quickly but cautiously, weaving through the dense underbrush. Every step felt like a gamble.

"Here." Damien handed her a small tactical knife he'd pulled from his belt. "We're close to barebones now. 

Conserve your rounds and make every strike count."

Emily took the knife, her fingers brushing against his briefly. 

The steel was cold, but the weight in her hand was oddly grounding. "We need a plan," she said, her voice low.

"We'll regroup," Damien replied, his eyes scanning the darkness. "But first, we lose our tail.

 Keep your head down, stay quiet, and follow me."

The pair pressed on, their steps muffled by the forest floor. 

Despite the urgency, Emily couldn't shake the growing unease in her chest.