Anabella’s heart skipped in fear as she tried her best to not look back. But the glare she could feel aid her way as Anabella continued to walk forward without looking back.
She knew that it was a bad idea to not see what kind of person was following her, but Anabella’s common sense told her not to pay attention to such things.
Anabella was far more adapted at being followed because of her training during childhood, and yet, this was one of the only tis she had to use her skills practically. It left her feeling exhausted, and she had not even done anything of importance...yet.
Still, the feeling persisted. Every now and then, she’d catch a flicker of movent in her peripheral vision, or the faint sound of footsteps that seed to echo her own. Her pace quickened, and so did the sound behind her.
Don’t look back, she told herself, gripping the strap of her bag tightly. Her heart pounded as she turned a corner and then another, trying to lose whoever—or whatever—was tailing her. She reasoned with herself that it could just be a coincidence, that soone else was simply heading in the sa direction. But deep down, she knew better.
The streets grew quieter as she moved further from the bustling center of town. The occasional passerby offered her so comfort, but even they beca scarce as she veered into less familiar territory. She was walking in circles now, her panic driving her steps in random patterns.
"Miss!"
The voice made her freeze in place, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. Slowly, she turned to see a man stepping out from the shadow of a nearby building. He was tall, dressed in a dark jacket, his expression neutral yet unsettlingly focused.
"Anabella, is it?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with an unnerving edge. "Might I have a word?"
Her pulse quickened. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice steady despite the fear creeping up her spine.
The man ignored her question. "I just need to confirm your na. Your family."
"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Anabella said, taking a step back. She looked around, hoping for an escape route, but the man stepped closer, blocking her path.
"It’s important," he pressed. "Please, just cooperate. I won’t hurt you."
She didn’t believe him for a second. Without responding, she turned on her heel and darted down the street. She didn’t care where she was going; she just needed to get away. Her lungs burned as she ran, her bag bouncing against her side.
But her relief was short-lived. A shadow darted out from an alley ahead, cutting her off. Another man, this one shorter but no less intimidating, stepped into her path.
"Running won’t help," he said, his tone almost mocking. "We just want to talk."
Anabella’s panic spiked as she realized this wasn’t a random encounter. She was being targeted.
"Leave alone!" she shouted, clutching her bag as if it could shield her. She tried to veer to the side, but the first man had caught up to her, effectively boxing her in.
"You’re making this harder than it needs to be," the taller man said, his patience visibly thinning.
"Please," Anabella pleaded, her voice cracking. "I don’t know who you are or what you want."
"It’s not about us," the shorter man said cryptically. "It’s about who you are—and who you’re connected to."
Anabella’s mind raced. Who had sent them? Daniel? Her mother? Soone else entirely? She didn’t have ti to dwell on it. She was cornered, her options dwindling by the second.
Her instincts kicked in. She swung her bag at the shorter man, catching him off guard. As he stumbled back, she made a break for it, sprinting toward a narrow alleyway. She heard their curses behind her, their footsteps pounding against the pavent as they gave chase.
The alley was cramped, the walls on either side closing in around her. She spotted a fire escape ahead and leapt for it, her fingers scraping against the cold tal as she pulled herself up. Her muscles scread in protest, but adrenaline pushed her forward.
"Get her!" one of the n shouted.
Anabella climbed higher, her heart racing as she reached the roof. She didn’t dare look down, didn’t dare pause. She moved as quickly as she could, her feet slipping on the uneven surface.
She needed help, but there was no one around. Her phone was in her bag, which she’d dropped in her scramble up the fire escape.
The n weren’t far behind. She could hear their voices, their footsteps. Desperation clawed at her throat as she scanned the rooftops for an escape route. A gap between buildings lood ahead—too wide to jump, but too close to give her any sense of security.
"Nowhere to run," one of the n taunted as they reached the roof.
Anabella backed away, her mind racing for a solution. Her breaths ca in short gasps as the n closed in, their expressions cold and calculating.
Just as she thought all hope was lost, a voice echoed from below.
"Anabella! Are you up there?"
Her heart leapt. It was Noah’s voice, booming and furious. Relief flooded her as she shouted, "Noah! I’m here!"
The n froze, exchanging wary glances.
"Who’s that?" the shorter one muttered.
"Doesn’t matter," the taller one said, though his confidence wavered. "We need to get out of here."
Before Anabella could blink, the n bolted, disappearing back down the fire escape. Monts later, Noah appeared on the roof, his face a mixture of relief and fury.
"Are you okay?" he asked, rushing to her side.
Anabella nodded, though tears stread down her face. She clung to him, her body trembling as the reality of what had just happened sank in.
"We’re getting you out of here," Noah said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argunt.
And for the first ti that day, Anabella felt safe.
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