Milan — Tunnel exit
The cold dawn wind slapped Vera's face the moment she emerged through the rusted hatch.
Above them, Milan still slept under a false peace.
The first pale streaks of morning painted the sky a hesitant gray.
Enzo followed quickly, helping to pull Luca up carefully.
Other resistance fighters covered the hatch behind them, weapons aimed downward.
— Quickly! — Enzo hissed. — Before they catch up!
Vera looked around.
They were in a narrow alley, wedged between two abandoned factories.
The place was a maze of ruins — perfect for disappearing, but just as dangerous if the pursuers found them first.
Luca staggered but tried to walk on his own, pride burning in his battered eyes.
— This way! — one of the fighters urged.
The group plunged into the labyrinth of crumbling walls and rusted tracks, advancing in tense silence.
Behind them, the muffled sounds of the guards still echoed from the tunnels.
A few more minutes.
Just a few more minutes.
Vera held onto Luca tightly, fear and hope pounding together with each heartbeat.
They were almost free.
Almost.
When they reached the next corner, Vera stopped abruptly.
Blocking their path were three armed men.
Without a word, Vera yanked Luca back, shielding him with her own body.
The abyss between life and death now lay just a breath away.