Gabby helped Tony to his feet, her grip firm and urgent.
"Thanks," he muttered, his eyes lingering on her with a flicker of desire.
She caught the look and scoffed. "No thanks," she snapped, brushing it off as she turned sharply.
Without waiting, she grabbed his hand and tossed the rolled wools over her shoulder. They were close to the Cave of Storms ·not quite there, but near enough to feel its looming presence. They just had to reach it in time.
The forest around them thickened, the terrain rough and uneven. Branches clawed at their clothes as they pushed forward, their boots crunching leaves and brittle twigs. Each step was a battle against time.
Tony stole a glance over his shoulder, uneasy. Something about the silence felt wrong, like they were being hunted.
"Jump!" Gabby screamed suddenly, snapping him back to the present.
He turned to face forward · too late.
His foot caught on a hidden root. The world flipped. His body slammed to the ground, sharp pain exploding in his side. A cluster of tree stumps locked around him like a trap, and a jagged stick pierced into his skin.
"Aaah! Aaah!" he cried out, the agony searing.
Gabby skidded to a halt, her breath catching as she looked back in shock.
"Tony!"
She rushed toward him, heart pounding, the cave still ahead · but now, survival came first.
The sharp echo of Tony's scream rolled through the forest like thunder.
General Marcus's head snapped up. He yanked the reins of his horse, narrowing his eyes in the direction of the sound.
"They're close. That was a cry," he said coldly. "Let's move·fan out and find them!"
The soldiers didn't hesitate. Swords clinked. Hooves pounded. The chase was back on.
"Sorry... sorry," Gabby whispered, her voice trembling as she helped Tony to his feet. His face was pale, drenched in sweat, and his hand pressed tightly over the wound near his waist·just inches from his navel. Blood was soaking through his shirt fast.
"We're almost there," she urged, throwing his arm over her shoulder. She slid her left arm around his uninjured side, holding him up as they tiptoed across the uneven ground, step by agonizing step.
But she could feel him weakening.
"This isn't going to work," she murmured, halting.
Tony's eyes met hers·burning with pain but defiant.
"I'm not dying here," he growled. "I need to finish it."
He tried pulling away, but staggered.
"No!" Gabby snapped, catching him. "I won't leave you. Elsie... Elsie would be the one who'd break the most."
They stood still for a heartbeat. Then·
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The ground quivered. Hoofbeats.
"They're here..." Tony said hoarsely.
Through the trees, shadows emerged·then steel. Soldiers on horseback burst into view, eyes sharp, blades ready.
"There!" one rider shouted, pointing. "That's them!"
Gabby stiffened. Tony clenched his jaw, blood dripping down his side.
"They look hurt," one soldier observed.
General Marcus rode up behind them, halting his horse with a commanding presence.
"Don't be reckless," he ordered. "Surround them, but do not kill."
Gabby's eyes darted left, then right..no way out.
"Let's go," she said with a final burst of desperation, trying to drag Tony forward.
But he collapsed again, too weak to continue.
This time, he didn't resist. His strength was gone—and he knew it.
Gabby held him tightly as they tiptoed, tired and desperate... but it was too late.
The thunder of hooves closed in.
And then..it was over.
The riders surrounded them in a tightening ring, blades drawn. No space to run. No breath left to fight.
.....
"Surrender or you die!" one of the riders barked.
Gabby kept holding Tony, her mind racing for a plan. She couldn't fight at full strength while holding him·but letting go meant exposing him.
"I'm badly hurt," Tony suddenly muttered, voice cracking with pain. "Take her instead… she's the criminal. I'm just her escort. Let me go."
Gabby turned sharply. "What?!"
But then she caught it..the flicker in Tony's eyes. It was a bluff. A desperate move to distract them.
The horsemen hesitated, unsure what to make of the statement. From a distance, General Marcus watched carefully, signaling his men to wait.
Then Gabby acted.
With a fierce cry, she drew her sword and swung in a flash, striking one of the riders cleanly across the chest. He toppled off his horse with a thud.
Another soldier behind them jumped down, blade drawn, advancing toward Tony with clear intent.
Still holding Tony, Gabby gritted her teeth and fought with one hand. Her right arm swung fiercely while her left supported his weight.
"Duck!" she hissed.
Gabby let go of Tony fully now, stepping forward into a whirlwind of motion
Tony bent instinctively, pain exploding through his side. But it gave him the angle he needed. As the soldier lunged, Tony twisted low and swept his legs under him, knocking the man off balance.
The attacker stumbled.
Tony caught him by the armor, yanking hard. The blade missed, and Tony responded with a punch to the man's face. It wasn't perfect; but it was enough.
Her blade became a blur as she turned to face the oncoming soldiers, parrying and slashing with unrelenting force. Every move was practiced. Precise. Furious.
Tony staggered to his feet, injured but determined. He stood behind her, breath heavy, heart pounding.
They were surrounded;but not giving in.
Not now.
Not ever.