The storm swallowed their footsteps as Zariah and Dorian feld the university grounds, the rain turning the street slicks and treancherous. Behind them, shouts rang out, men's voice barking orders, boots slapping against the pavement.
"Keep moving" Dorian urged, his grip on Zariah's wrist firm but not cruel. His heart raced not from exertion but from the weight of what he knew.: whoever was hurting them tonight wasn't going to take prisoners.
They cut through alleyways, past dumpsters overflowing with the city's refuse, the stench of rot mingling with rain.
"What did Nova give you?" Dorian demanded as they ducked under a rusted fire escape.
Zariah clutched the small, metallic device in her hand, a data stick, no bigger than her thumb. "She said nothing. Just - 'they're coming.' And she looked so... scared, Dorian."
Lightening forked across the sky, briefly illuminating his face, eyes narrowed, mind calculating.
"We need to get off the streets. Now."
They found temporary refuge in a boarded up laundromat who blocks away. Dorian kicked through the back door, pulling Zariah inside before slamming it shut behind them. He shoved his broken dryer in front of the door for good measure.
For a long moment, they stood there, catching their breath, listening to the storm beat against the city.
Zariah's hands trembled as she stared down at the device. "Nova risked everything to get this to me. What if this is what they killed my mother for?"
Dorian stepped closer, his voice low. "Then we'll make sure it's the key to bringing them."
Zariah lifted her gaze to his. The distance between them seemed smaller now, their shared fear and determination drawing them closer.
"Why are you still with me, Dorian?"
she asked, voice barely audible, "if you're risking your career, your life why?"
His expression softened and for a heartbeat, he let the mask drop
"Because somewhere along the way... It stopped being just about your mother or the truth." His hand brushed a wet strand of hair from her face, lingering at her cheek. "It because about you."
Thunder boomed but neither of them flinched this time.
The storm outside was nothing compared to what was building between them.
Suddenly, the black window shattered Zariah as light and sound exploded around them.
The hunters had found them.
And this time, they weren't going to run forever.