The Chains Tighten

 (Chapter 48:Mira's Pov) 

 We ran through the darkened streets, the echoes of our pursuers' shouts ringing behind us. My breath was sharp, my heart pounding. Lorenzo led the way, his blade still slick with blood, while Selene struggled to keep pace beside me, her face pale.

 We reached a side alley, and Lorenzo pressed me back against the cold brick wall, his body shielding mine as he listened for approaching footsteps. Silence. Then a low growl of frustration in the distance. They had lost us. For now.

 Selene bent over, hands on her knees, catching her breath. "They won't stop coming."

 "They never do," Lorenzo muttered, his jaw clenched.

 I swallowed hard. The attack wasn't random. It was a warning.

 And I was right.