THERE'S NO SHELTER

The silky, taunting voice of the successor echoed across the jungle, making my stomach turn. His flashlight's light pierced the night, creating unsettling shadows on the trees as he approached.

I hunkered down behind the rocky ledge, holding the bag close to my chest. Marcus's steady grip on my arm held me firmly in place even though my heart was pounding in my ears and every nerve in my body was screaming for me to run.

"Remain motionless," Marcus said in a barely audible whisper.

The replacement walked slowly and deliberately, as if he was enjoying the situation even though he knew we were close. "Olivia, you've been running for a long time," he cried in a derisive tone. However, you should already be aware that it always ends the same way. I can't be outrun.

Marcus moved a little, his blade gleaming in the dim darkness. "We're going to have to run," he said.

My voice was shaking as I shouted back, "They'll see us."