Chapter 14 - THE FOREST CHASE
Ethan descended the dark, narrow wooden steps into the damp root cellar, kicking open the exterior trapdoor into the freezing night.
Cold rain began to mist down through the towering pine trees, soaking through his olive green shirt.
He set Lily down behind a massive granite boulder just off the trail, shielding her from the flashing red lights above.
"Stay right behind this rock, Lily. I'll be right back," Ethan promised fiercely before drawing his own sidearm.
Gunfire erupted from the cabin porch as Marcus exchanged heavy suppressive fire with the invading tactical team.
"Marcus! Fall back to the ridge!" Ethan yelled into his tactical radio, firing two rounds into the tree line.
Marcus scrambled out through the root cellar exit, clutching a bleeding shoulder as he sprinted toward Ethan's position.
"They've got infrared drones overhead! We can't stay in the open!" Marcus panted heavily, blood dripping onto the damp leaves.
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Ethan grabbed his brother's good arm, hoisting him up as they dragged themselves deeper up the steep mountain slope.
Behind them, searchlights from an unmarked military helicopter swept across the forest canopy, searching for thermal signatures.
