Escape from the Shadows

The doors shut revealing two supervisors, their faces unfamiliar and worn from fatigue. Leo crouched low, his breath shallow as he watched them enter the break room. They weren't the usual overseers from the parts room.

The supervisor on the right sniffed the air, then smirked. "Smells like someone's been sneaking in here again."

Leo tensed. The lingering odor of smoke had masked his presence, a small but crucial advantage. The other supervisor chuckled and dropped onto the worn sofa, rubbing his temples.

"Well, we're sneaking out too," he said, exhaling deeply. "Can't blame them for doing the same."

The first supervisor nodded, pulling out a crumpled cigarette. "Let's light up and forget about it for a bit."

The flick of a lighter pierced the silence, and the faint glow illuminated their tired faces. Smoke curled lazily into the stale air as the men fell into a quiet, contemplative rhythm. Leo stayed perfectly still, every muscle taut, ready to act at a moment's notice.

"Think they'll finish the quota tonight?" the supervisor on the sofa muttered, breaking the silence.

"Not a chance," his colleague replied, shaking his head. "We'll probably have to step in to make up for it."

"Damn it," the man sighed, frustration dripping from his voice. "This place is a nightmare."

Minutes passed in silence, broken only by the soft crackle of burning tobacco. Leo's mind raced. He couldn't afford to wait too long. The window of opportunity was narrow, and every second counted.

"I've got an idea," the first supervisor said suddenly, leaning forward.

His colleague raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"Let's head to the parking lot. We can hide in my car until things blow over."

"…Think that'll work?"

"No one will look for us there. And if they do, we'll deal with it later."

The other man mulled it over, then grinned. "Worth a shot. Let's grab the keys."

They began rummaging through the room, their movements careless and distracted. Leo saw his chance. Slowly, he drew the pistol from his jacket, steadying his trembling hands as he focused his magic on the muzzle.

Silence.

A faint shimmer wrapped around the gun, muffling the sound. Leo pulled back the slide, the pistol now ready.

"Where the hell are those keys?" one of the supervisors grumbled, frustration creeping into his voice.

Leo's fingers tightened around the trigger. His heart pounded, but his mind remained calm, cold calculation guiding his actions. He couldn't wait any longer.

Bang!

The silenced shot barely echoed. The supervisor near the door collapsed, blood pooling rapidly beneath him. His colleague jumped, eyes wide in horror.

"What the—?!"

"Quiet!" Leo hissed, stepping from behind the sofa, the pistol aimed steadily at the remaining man. "Don't move."

The supervisor froze, his face pale as he stared at the gun. His lips quivered, but no words came out. Leo's grip tightened as he approached, each step deliberate, cautious.

The fallen supervisor lay motionless, his lifeless eyes staring into nothingness. A wave of nausea threatened to rise, but Leo pushed it down. He couldn't afford weakness. Not now.

"Please…don't kill me," the remaining supervisor whispered, his voice barely audible. "I won't tell anyone. Just let me go."

Leo's gaze remained fixed, unmoving. The man's pleas fell on deaf ears. There could be no loose ends. This place, this factory, was a death trap. Mercy was a luxury he couldn't afford.

Without hesitation, Leo pulled the trigger again.

Bang!

The supervisor slumped, his body crumpling to the floor. Leo stared for a moment, ensuring the man was truly dead before lowering his weapon.

Breathing heavily, he rifled through their pockets, pulling out any cash he could find. Everything else—IDs, cards—was useless to him. He tossed the rest aside, not wasting time on anything unnecessary.

He moved quickly, locking the door behind him as he left the break room and headed toward the underground parking lot. His footsteps echoed softly in the dimly lit space, the distant hum of machinery his only company.

The garage was cluttered with vehicles, some old and rusted, others sleek and modern. Leo crouched low, moving between the shadows, searching for the car with the right serial number.

Finally, he found it—two cars, actually. One was an inconspicuous gray van, the other a flashy, modified two-seater. Leo prayed the van would open, but fate had other plans. The van remained locked, while the two-seater yielded to his touch.

Grimacing, he slipped inside, the smell of leather and machinery filling his senses. The dashboard lit up as he turned the key, the engine purring softly to life. Leo's hands trembled as he gripped the steering wheel. He had done it. He was one step closer to freedom.

The vehicle rolled forward, the underground parking lot gradually giving way to the world outside. Leo's heart raced, a mix of fear and exhilaration flooding his veins.

As he neared the exit, a figure limped into view—the parking lot supervisor. Leo cursed under his breath. His magic reserves were depleted; he couldn't cast another silencing spell.

The supervisor knocked on the hood, peering into the driver's seat. "Hey, Ed, where're you going? Wait a sec…who the hell are you?"

Leo didn't wait. He raised the pistol, pressing it against the man's chest. "Step back."

The supervisor's face contorted in terror as he dropped the gun he'd been reaching for. "Please, don't shoot," he stammered.

"Is there a barrier at the exit?" Leo demanded.

"Yes," the man nodded frantically. "I'll disable it. Just…don't kill me."

He scrambled to the control panel, his hands shaking as he deactivated the barrier. Leo watched closely, every muscle coiled, ready to react.

The man turned back, his face pleading. Leo hesitated for only a second.

Bang!

The gunshot rang out, the sound reverberating through the parking lot. Leo pressed down on the accelerator, the car surging forward past the collapsing body.

Sunlight blazed through the windshield as he broke free of the factory's shadowy confines. The world beyond was a blur of light and color, a stark contrast to the darkness he had left behind.

Leo's heart hammered in his chest, his mind spinning with questions. Where was he? What kind of world lay beyond the factory gates? He didn't have the answers, but one thing was certain—he was free.

For now.