Chapter 16 - The Burning Manor
Thick, black smoke poured out of the emergency escape hatch as Maria pushed the iron grate open.
Fresh, cold night air rushed into her lungs, making her cough violently.
She scrambled out onto the wet grass, pulling Emily up behind her with all her strength.
Julian climbed out last, dropping the metal grate shut as fire roared beneath them.
The grand Sterling Manor was swallowed in a massive column of bright, roaring flames.
"We have to move!" Julian shouted over the crackle of the blaze.
"The security team is surrounding the perimeter!"
Dark figures dressed in tactical gear swept through the thick gardens with flashlights and rifles.
"Over there!" a mercenary shouted, pointing a high-powered beam of light at Maria.
"Kill them all! Leave no witnesses!"
Bulleted tore through the rose bushes, snapping branches right beside Emily’s head.
"Run!" Maria yelled, grabbing Emily’s hand and dashing toward the thick forest edge.
They sprinted blindly through the rain-soaked trees, branches scratching their faces and tearing their clothes.
Behind them, heavy footsteps crushed the wet leaves in rapid pursuit.
"They have night-vision equipment!" Julian panted, running alongside them.
"They'll track our body heat in minutes!"
"The river is half a mile ahead!" Emily called out, her voice clear and full of newfound determination.
"If we cross the rapids, they lose our trail!"
Suddenly, a massive figure stepped out from behind an ancient oak tree directly in front of them.
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It was the lead mercenary, wearing a black ballistic mask and holding an automatic shotgun.
"End of the line, Mrs. Sterling," the mercenary growled, raising the weapon.
