Sid crouched low at the edge of the tree line, staring across the moonlit sprawl. It was quiet here, but not empty. He could sense the wildlife hiding in the overgrowth, the hush of small movements just out of sight. He leaned closer to Evelise, whispering,
"Stay sharp. Quiet doesn't mean safe. Out there, something's always listening."
Her red eyes glimmered faintly, unreadable, but she nodded once. Sid exhaled, steadying his breath, and prepared to lead her across the heart of Nexus Green Park.
Sid crouched low, scanning the vines and cracked ground of Nexus Green. He had mapped out a path in his head— slip between the toppled statues, cross the dry fountain, and cut through the ivy covered underpass. If they timed it right, they'd make it through unseen.
He gave Evelise's hand a light squeeze, ready to move. But then her body jolted, a violent shiver running through her. Her grip tightened, trembling hard, and suddenly her weight dragged against him.
"Evelise?"
