CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE – A STRANGER’S AID

After about fifteen minutes of hurried walking, they paused to catch their breath. In the distance, they could hear the faint sound of vehicles approaching. "Karl's men," Florian growled. "We need to keep moving." They pressed on, the sounds of pursuit growing louder behind them. Cassie's heart pounded in her chest, fear and adrenaline propelling her forward. Suddenly, Florian pulled her down behind a fallen log. They huddled there, barely breathing, as footsteps crunched through the underbrush nearby. "They can't have gotten far," a gruff voice said. "Spread out and search the area." Cassie and Florian exchanged glances, communicating silently. They needed to find a way out of this forest, and fast. As the search party moved away, they crept from their hiding spot. Florian led them towards a small stream, hoping the running water would mask their trail. They waded through the icy water, teeth chattering. After what felt like hours but was likely only minutes, they emerged on th