chapter 8: The run

Rory settled into the backseat of the car, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was finally safe.

Marcus drove in silence, his eyes scanning the road behind them. Rory watched him, wondering who this mysterious man was and how he knew Alex.

After a few minutes of driving, Marcus turned off the main road and onto a dirt path. The car bounced along the rough terrain, and Rory held on tight.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus glanced in the rearview mirror. "Somewhere safe," he replied.

The car continued on the dirt path, winding through trees and over hills. Rory lost track of time, her mind numb with exhaustion.

Finally, the car stopped in front of a small cabin. Marcus got out and opened Rory's door, helping her out of the car.

"Welcome to the safe house," he said, smiling.

Rory looked around, taking in the secluded surroundings. The cabin was surrounded by trees, with no signs of civilization in sight.

"Who owns this place?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Marcus hesitated before answering. "Let's just say it's a friend of Alex's. Someone who wants to help you."

Rory nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Alex and his mysterious friends.

As she followed Marcus into the cabin, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Marcus handed her a cup of hot tea, and Rory took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through her body.

For the first time in hours, she felt a sense of peace.

But as she looked out the window, Rory saw a figure lurking in the shadows.

Her heart skipped a beat as she realized she wasn't safe after all.

Chapter 9: The Safe House (Continued)

Rory's eyes were fixed on the figure outside, her mind racing with fear. She tried to call out to Marcus, but her voice was frozen in her throat.

The figure didn't move, just stood there watching the cabin. Rory felt a chill run down her spine as she realized she was being stalked.

Marcus noticed her distress and followed her gaze to the window. His expression turned grim, and he quickly pulled out his phone.

"We have a problem," he said into the phone. "We've got a visitor."

Rory watched as Marcus listened to the person on the other end of the line. His expression turned more serious with each passing moment.

"What is it?" Rory asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus hesitated before answering. "It seems we have a traitor in our midst. Someone has been feeding Julian information about our safe houses."

Rory's eyes widened in shock. "What does that mean?" she asked.

Marcus's expression turned grim. "It means we can't stay here. We have to move, now."

Rory nodded, feeling a sense of panic rising up inside her. She quickly grabbed her bag, and Marcus led her out of the cabin, into the darkness of the night.

As they moved through the trees, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced around, but saw nothing.

But then, she heard the sound of footsteps behind them.

Chapter 9: The Safe House (Continued)

Rory's heart skipped a beat as she heard the footsteps behind them. She quickened her pace, her senses on high alert.

Marcus grabbed her arm, pulling her closer. "Stay close," he whispered.

They moved through the trees, the sound of footsteps getting closer. Rory could feel her breath coming in short gasps, her heart racing with fear.

Marcus pulled her forward, and they emerged from the trees into a clearing. A black SUV was waiting for them, its engine running.

Marcus opened the door, and Rory jumped in, her heart still racing. Marcus followed close behind, slamming the door shut behind him.

As they sped away from the safe house, Rory looked back, seeing the figure emerge from the trees. It was Julian, his eyes fixed on the SUV as it disappeared into the night.

Rory turned back to Marcus, her eyes wide with fear. "He's going to find us," she whispered.

Marcus's expression was grim. "We'll keep moving," he said. "We'll find a way to throw him off our trail."

But as they drove through the night, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that Julian was still out there, watching and waiting.

And then, just as she was starting to relax, Rory's phone buzzed. She looked at the screen, her heart sinking.

It was a text from an unknown number. "I'll always find you," it reads.