Run or Fight

The sound of gunfire still rang in Elena's ears as she sprinted through the back exit of Solace with Adrian right behind her.

The moment they burst onto the dimly lit alley, she skidded to a stop.

A black SUV blocked the way.

Adrian grabbed her wrist. "Move!"

Before she could react, he yanked her to the left, leading her down a narrow path between two buildings. The walls felt suffocating, closing in as they ran.

Another round of shots rang out behind them.

Elena instinctively reached for her gun, but Adrian tightened his grip on her hand.

"Not now," he muttered. "Just keep running."

Her pulse pounded.

They emerged onto a deserted street, the city lights distant in the background. A motorbike was parked at the curb.

Adrian let go of her hand and swiftly swung onto the bike.

"Get on," he ordered.

Elena hesitated for half a second before climbing behind him.

The second she wrapped her arms around his waist, Adrian revved the engine, and they sped off into the night.

The cold air whipped against her face as the city blurred past them.

She wasn't even sure where they were headed.

Only that they were running.

Twenty minutes later.

They stopped near the outskirts of the city, hidden between a cluster of abandoned warehouses.

Adrian killed the engine, exhaling sharply.

Elena climbed off, shaking off the cold. Her pulse was still racing.

"What the hell was that?" she snapped, turning to face him.

Adrian leaned against the bike, running a hand through his hair. "That was me saving your life."

"Don't flatter yourself," she shot back. "They weren't after me."

He met her gaze, and the look in his eyes told her she was wrong.

"They knew you were with me," Adrian said, his voice calmer now. "That makes you a target."

Elena swallowed, gripping the USB in her pocket.

She wanted to believe she was still in control.

But every second spent with him made her feel like she was spiraling into his world.

A world of lies, danger, and unfinished business.

And she wasn't sure if she could climb back out.

She exhaled, trying to steady herself.

"I need answers," she said. "No more riddles, no more distractions. Who the hell are you, Adrian Cross?"

For a moment, he didn't answer.

Then, he reached for his phone and held it up.

A photo.

Elena stepped closer—and her stomach dropped.

It was a surveillance image.

Of her.

From two nights ago.

At the station.

Her blood turned to ice.

"What—"

"They've been watching you," Adrian said, his voice lower now. "And if you don't stop digging… they won't just come after me."

Elena clenched her jaw.

She had two choices.

Walk away and pretend none of this was happening.

Or dive headfirst into the chaos and finally uncover the truth.

Her fingers tightened around the USB.

There was only ever one choice.

She looked at Adrian, her heart hammering.

"Then let's finish this."