The next morning, Ezra woke to the sound of footsteps outside the hut. The hunter was already awake, standing by the door with a tense look. Ezra sat up quickly, eyes narrowing.
"They're close," the hunter said quietly. "We don't have much time."
Ezra scrambled to his feet. "What do I do?"
The hunter grabbed a small pouch from his belt. "Stay behind me. We head to the underground tunnel I know about. It's hidden beneath an old tree nearby."
They slipped out of the hut quietly, moving through the dense woods. Ezra's heart pounded—he sensed danger was near. Shadows flickered out of sight, moving fast through the trees. He kept close to the hunter, who led him swiftly along a narrow path.
Soon, they reached a large tree with twisted roots. The hunter pushed aside some moss and pushed a stone slab aside, revealing a dark opening below.
"Down here," he said. "It's our escape route."
Ezra hesitated for a second. The tunnel was dark and narrow, but the hunter's grip was firm. They descended, the air thick and earthy. The tunnel stretched into the darkness, quiet except for their breathing.
Clinging to the faint light behind, Ezra realized this was their safest bet. For now. They moved quickly, knowing that the sound of pursuit would be close any moment.
As they disappeared deeper underground, Ezra braced himself. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he understood one thing: they couldn't afford to stop. Not now.
The danger was real — and it was only just beginning.