*Chapter 29: The Escape*
The darkness was suffocating, and Sophia's heart was racing. She clung to Alexander's hand, trying to stay calm.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the room, followed by the sound of footsteps. Sophia's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she saw Alexander's father stumbling towards the door.
Alexander pulled her towards the window. "We need to get out of here," he whispered.
Sophia nodded, and they climbed out the window just as the lights flickered back on. They found themselves in a narrow alleyway, with no clear exit.
"Which way?" Sophia asked, looking around frantically.
Alexander grabbed her hand, and they started running. "This way," he said. "We need to get to a safe house."
As they ran, Sophia heard footsteps behind them. She glanced back, and her heart sank. Alexander's father was chasing them, his face twisted with rage.
They picked up speed, their breathing labored. Sophia's legs ached, but she didn't dare look back again.
Finally, they saw a glimmer of light up ahead. It was a door, slightly ajar. Alexander pushed it open, and they tumbled inside.
Sophia collapsed against the wall, gasping for breath. Alexander locked the door behind them and leaned against it, his eyes scanning the room.
They were in a small, dimly lit room. But they were safe, for now.
As Sophia caught her breath, she realized that they couldn't stay here forever. They needed a plan, a way to take down Alexander's father once and for all.
Alexander's eyes met hers, and she knew he was thinking the same thing. They would fight back, together.