The fight of freedom

The place turned into a battlefield in seconds.

Andrew moved fast, his fist slamming into the first man's jaw before he could react. The spy was just as quick, taking down another with a swift, calculated move.

Gift stood frozen for a moment, her heart hammering. The sound of fists meeting flesh, grunts of pain, and hurried footsteps filled the night.

She had to move.

One of Chief Williams' men lunged towards her. Before she could scream, Andrew's arm shot out, grabbing the man by the collar and throwing him against the wall. The man groaned, sliding to the ground.

"Gift, run!" Andrew shouted.

But where would she go? There were men everywhere.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Fear wrapped around her like a heavy chain. But then, she saw Andrew—sweat on his forehead, his face set in determination, fighting for her.

No.

She wouldn't leave him.

A man reached for her again. Without thinking, she grabbed a stone from the ground and swung it hard. It hit the side of his head with a sickening thud. He staggered, groaning in pain.

She didn't stop to see if he recovered. She moved closer to Andrew, her hands trembling but ready.

The spy grabbed another attacker and twisted his arm behind his back. "We need to go—now!" he shouted.

Andrew knocked out the last man standing and grabbed Gift's hand. "Come on!"

They ran.

Through the narrow streets, past abandoned buildings, their breaths heavy. The spy led the way, knowing the safest route to escape.

Gift's legs burned her heartbeat loud in her ears. But she didn't stop.

She didn't look back.

They had survived.

For now.

They didn't stop running until they reached a small, quiet house on the outskirts of town. It was an old place, hidden between tall trees, its wooden doors worn with age.

The spy pushed the door open, ushering them inside.

Gift collapsed onto the floor, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths. Her legs felt like they would give out. Sweat clung to her skin, but it was the pounding in her heart that wouldn't stop.

Andrew knelt beside her, his eyes scanning her face. "Are you hurt?" His voice was soft, but there was worry underneath.

She shook her head. "I—I'm fine." But her hands still trembled.

Andrew reached out, taking them in his. His touch was warm, steady. "You did well back there," he said.

A lump formed in her throat. She had been terrified, but she had fought. For the first time in a long time, she hadn't just waited to be saved—she had fought for herself.

The spy leaned against the door, watching them. "We don't have much time. Chief Williams' men will come looking for us."

Andrew let out a slow breath and turned to him. "What now?"

The spy crossed his arms. "Chief Williams is smart. He already had someone watching me, watching you. He knows something is happening."

Gift's stomach twisted. "Then we're not safe here?"

The spy shook his head. "No. But we have one advantage—he doesn't know that I'm on your side now. That gives us a little time."

Andrew's jaw tightened. He hated this. Running. Hiding. It wasn't a life. And now, Gift was in danger too.

He turned to her, his voice gentle. "I need you to trust me."

Gift met his eyes. There was no fear in them, no doubt. Just something strong, something deep.

"I trust you," she whispered

Andrew exhaled, relief washing over him.

The spy glanced at the window. "Then we move at dawn."

No one argued.

Tonight, they would rest. Tomorrow, the fight would continue.

But Andrew couldn't close his eyes, he was planning how to get back at Chief Williams and he came up with a great plan

He will kid$nap Abigail Chief Williams's daughter

Do you have any better plans? Gift asked

He sat beside Gift on the floor, his hands clasped together tightly. Gift stood beside him, her arms folded, her eyes dark with worry.

"I don't like this plan," she said softly.

Andrew looked at her. "Gift, this is the only way. Chief Williams is too powerful. If we go through the law, he'll twist everything in his favour. But Abigail... she's his weakness."

Gift sighed, shaking her head. "I don't want us to become like him. I don't want to hurt her."

Andrew reached for her hands, holding them gently. "We won't hurt her. We just need to make him feel what you felt—what you lost. He has to understand that some things can't be stolen without consequences

A deep voice cut through the moment. "Are you sure she will come?" It was Dare. His face was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—a shadow of doubt.

Andrew nodded. "She trusts me. I'll tell her I have something important to show her, something about our marriage, She'll come."

Andrew exhaled. "If Chief Williams finds out, he will burn this whole city down to get her back."

Gift shivered at the thought, but she swallowed hard. "Then we have to be faster than him."