Axel was just about to reassure the cab driver that, for the moment, they were safe when his ears picked up a faint noise. It was almost buried beneath the whispering rustle of leaves, but he caught it clearly—the dry snap of a twig breaking under the weight of a boot. Instinct kicked in before reason could even catch up. He raised his hand in a sharp motion, pressing two fingers against his lips to signal silence. The cab driver froze, eyes wide, as Axel grabbed him by the arm and dragged him down behind the thick trunk of a nearby tree.
They flattened themselves against the rough bark, hidden from sight, the air suddenly heavy with tension. Axel's thoughts darkened. He cursed silently at the driver's terrible timing. Just as the man had nervously asked if they were safe, danger had arrived, summoned almost as though his words had been an omen. Axel clenched his jaw, trying not to let the frustration distract him.
