Nico's head snapped toward the voice. His heart dropped.
Flashlights bounced through the woods, wild footsteps closing in fast.
"Shit," he hissed, tightening his grip on Kyan.
Kyan groaned, trying to lift himself. "Put me down—"
"Not happening," Nico growled. "Hold on."
Branches tore at them as Nico pushed forward, lungs burning, blood roaring in his ears.
They crouched low behind the thick brush, Nico holding Kyan close as both of them held their breath.
Heavy boots thudded past.
But this time… it wasn't the wild screeches of the cannibals.
It was sharper—more organized.
Voices barked orders.
Luciano's guards.
Kyan's face went pale. "They're not cannibals…" he whispered. "Those are your men. Luciano's."
Nico tensed. The footsteps slowed, a flashlight brushing just above their heads before finally moving away.
Silence.
Kyan leaned back, wincing. "You need to go."
Nico stared at him. "What?"
