The Way Back

After long minutes of discussion, a subtle movement interrupted the conversation.

Cyrus's body gave a weak spasm before finally showing signs of life. His breathing, once shallow and irregular, became steadier. Then, with a muffled groan, Khaz regained control.

The first thing he felt was pain—a crushing weight on his muscles, as if every fiber protested against the effort. His chest burned, his breath still ragged. He felt like a abandoned battlefield, exhausted and scarred by wear.

He blinked a few times, his senses slowly returning to place.

"Look who's back from the dead," Gideon commented, a relieved smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Salen crossed his arms, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Damn, man, don't ever scare us like that again," he grumbled, his tone a mix of scolding and genuine relief.

Khaz forced himself to sit up, each movement bringing a fresh wave of pain. His gaze swept the area, trying to get his bearings. They were far from the warehouse, in a secluded and dark area, away from the meeting point. Nero, Troy, and Ezra were hunched over a map, murmuring among themselves as they tried to figure out their location.

Willy, sitting on the ground and still catching his breath, lifted his head.

"What now?" he asked, his voice heavy with uncertainty.

Khaz took a deep breath. His mind was still a mess, but he knew there was no time for hesitation.

"Gather around," he said, his voice hoarse from the strain. "I have a plan."

As everyone moved closer, he began outlining the strategy.

"We have the advantage that no one knows what we look like, but we're carrying too much equipment. It would be a problem if we were caught right after a heist. If we're quick and careful, we can reach the warehouse before nightfall."

"What if we steal a car, boss?" Troy suggested, a slight grin on his face.

Salen turned slowly, staring at him in disbelief.

"Are you stupid or just pretending?" he shot back.

A brief moment of laughter broke the tension, bringing a rare moment of levity to the miserable situation.

Khaz narrowed his eyes, assessing the exhaustion on each of their faces. Escaping like this would be risky, especially with him in this state. But they had no choice.

"We'll split into pairs and take different routes. Nero, Troy, and Ezra, you take the southern path and avoid the main streets. Salen, you're with me. Gideon and Willy, you go through the alley to the west. If anyone is followed, distract them and ditch the equipment if necessary."

The faces around him hardened. The plan was risky, but they didn't have many alternatives.

"Alright, no time to waste. Go!" he ordered.

The group quickly dispersed, disappearing into the darkness. Khaz and Salen moved along the opposite side of the street, avoiding well-lit areas. Exhaustion weighed like lead on Khaz's muscles, but he forced himself to keep going. This wasn't the time to falter.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the deserted streets. Somewhere ahead, a patrol car turned the corner, its headlights sweeping the alley where Khaz and Salen were hiding. They pressed themselves against the wall, holding their breath. The vehicle stopped for a few seconds, then moved on.

"Shit..." Salen whispered.

Khaz clenched his teeth. They needed to get out of there fast.

The next few minutes were a silent race against time. They jumped fences, crossed alleys, and avoided as much contact as possible. Every shadow seemed like a threat, every noise a warning of imminent danger.

When they finally spotted the warehouse, a cold relief washed over Khaz.

Gideon and Willy arrived first, panting. Nero, Troy, and Ezra showed up shortly after, looking equally drained.

"Everyone in one piece?" Khaz asked.

Grunts of exhaustion and nods were the response.

Salen slumped against the wall and slid to the ground.

"That was hell."

Khaz looked around, making sure no one had followed them. The worst was over.

At least for now.