Fractured Paths
The elevator shuddered as it climbed, metal groaning under the strain. Aria pressed herself against the wall, trying to steady her racing thoughts. The shadows of the city spread beneath them like a living map, and she couldn't shake the feeling that every light hid eyes watching her.
Kieran's hand remained near the console, tapping silently at the override panel. "Almost there," he muttered. "Upper levels. Less surveillance, but the streets are crowded. We need to blend in immediately."
Aria nodded, swallowing hard. "And Luna?"
He glanced at her briefly. "She'll manage. You saw how fast she adapted. But she's still compromised. If they trace her signal back to her location, she's as good as gone."
A heavy silence fell between them, broken only by the elevator's mechanical hum.
When the doors finally opened, the city greeted them with a chaotic brilliance—neon signs flickering, vehicles hovering, pedestrians moving through streams of holographic advertisements. The noise assaulted her senses.
Kieran scanned the area quickly. "Follow me, stay low, and don't make eye contact."
They moved through the crowded streets, slipping through alleys and side passages. Every corner felt like a trap. Aria's mind replayed the visions—the future she had seen, the man who shouldn't exist, the rain, and her own death.
"What happens if we can't outrun them?" she asked softly.
Kieran didn't answer immediately. Finally, he said, "Then we find another way to hide. The device you built… it's unstable now. But it can still protect us—if we use it correctly."
Aria frowned. "Protect us? It almost killed me."
"Yes," he said, voice low. "But it also anchors you to time in a way no one else can manipulate. We just need to control it before it controls you."
They ducked into a narrow street, illuminated by a single flickering holo-sign. Kieran stopped abruptly, pulling her behind a pile of crates.
"They're close," he whispered. "We've got to split. You follow the east route, I'll draw their attention from the west."
Aria's heart thumped in panic. "Split? That's suicide!"
"No choice," he said. "Trust me. We meet at the old observatory in two hours."
Her stomach twisted. "What if I don't make it?"
"You will," he said firmly. "You have to."
The sound of mechanical whirring drew closer. Kieran grabbed her hand and pressed a small device into her palm.
"Activate if you're in danger," he instructed. "It'll open a temporary fold. Use it sparingly."
Before she could reply, he released her hand. "Go."
Aria didn't hesitate. She sprinted down the side alley, heart pounding, the hum of drones chasing her like a storm. Behind her, Kieran vanished into the crowd, drawing the enforcers away.
Every step carried the weight of the future she had already glimpsed, every breath a reminder that time was no longer her ally.
And yet, somewhere deep inside, a stubborn spark of hope burned.
She would survive. She had to.
The streets twisted ahead, and the night swallowed her whole.