The streets grew darker as they ran, the dimming light of day providing only shadows to hide in. Riley's heart beat erratically, her chest rising and falling with each breath, each step. She could feel the energy of the chase closing in around them, the adrenaline making her senses sharper, but the fear still lingered.
"We're almost there," Zayden said, his voice firm as ever, though Riley could hear the slight edge of strain in his words. He didn't want her to see how much he was holding back. But the truth was, his strength was waning. He couldn't keep running forever.
And neither could Riley.
The rogue wolves behind them were relentless, their pursuit unyielding. Riley could hear their laughter—low, dark, and mocking—fading in and out as they closed the gap. Every turn, every alley they darted down seemed to bring them closer to danger.
"You have to let me go," Zayden said suddenly, his voice sharp and insistent.
Riley's head snapped toward him, confusion flooding her gaze. "What?"
"There's no way we can outrun them all. You need to go ahead," he said, his eyes hardening with the weight of his decision. "I'll hold them off. Get to the sanctuary."
"No!" Riley shouted, her grip tightening around him. "I'm not leaving you. We're in this together, Zayden. You promised."
Zayden's face softened for a moment, and he gently cupped her face with one hand. "I know. But this isn't about promises anymore. This is about survival. I won't let them take you."
He spun her around, pushing her forward in the direction of the sanctuary. "Go now, Riley. Please."
Her heart shattered as she looked back at him, torn between her fear for him and her need to stay by his side. But Zayden's eyes were filled with an undeniable resolve, and she knew there was no convincing him otherwise.
Reluctantly, she turned and sprinted toward the sanctuary, her heart pounding in her ears as the darkness of the night swallowed her whole.
Behind her, Zayden fought. And she hoped, prayed, that he would survive long enough to find her again.