Chapter 32: A Desperate Escape

Aurélie's heart was racing as she grabbed Léon's arm and pulled him towards the back of the café. Sophie was already moving, her eyes fixed on the door as she pushed through the tables.

The men who had entered the café were spreading out, their eyes scanning the room as they searched for Sophie. Aurélie knew that they had to get out of there, fast.

As they reached the back door, Sophie pushed it open and slipped through it, with Aurélie and Léon right behind her. They found themselves in a narrow alleyway, the walls towering above them as they ran.

Aurélie could hear the men shouting behind them, their footsteps echoing off the walls as they gave chase. She didn't dare look back, fearing what she might see.

Sophie led the way, her feet pounding the pavement as she expertly navigated the twisting alleyways. Aurélie and Léon followed close behind, their breath coming in ragged gasps as they struggled to keep up.

As they ran, Aurélie's mind was racing. Who were these men? And what did they want with Sophie?

The alleyways seemed to go on forever, the buildings blurring together as they ran. Aurélie's legs were aching, her lungs burning, but she knew that she couldn't stop.

Not now.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sophie stopped in front of a small door. She pushed it open, revealing a narrow stairway that led down into darkness.

"Inside," Sophie whispered, her eyes locked on Aurélie's. "Quickly."

Aurélie didn't hesitate. She pushed Léon forward, and then followed him down the stairs, Sophie closing the door behind them.

As they caught their breath in the darkness, Aurélie realized that they were trapped. The men could be waiting for them outside, and they had no way of knowing what lay ahead.

But for now, they were safe.

And that was all that matters.