The tension hummed between them, a raw mix of fear and forced proximity. He could feel her presence beside him, the slight brush of her jacket against his, the sound of her breathing. It was an intimacy born purely of shared peril.
After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, the tunnel began to slope upwards. Ahead, a faint glimmer of light appeared.
"There," Lucy whispered, pointing.
They emerged into a narrow, derelict courtyard behind a row of market stalls. The rain had eased into a fine drizzle. The old market square was quiet at this hour, only a few late-night vendors packing up.
"Fountain?" Gabriel asked, scanning the area.
"Over there," she pointed towards the center of the square where a crumbling stone fountain stood silent.
"Okay. We need to move fast but not look like we're running."
They walked quickly across the square, trying to blend in with the shadows and the scattering of people. Gabriel kept his eyes peeled, scanning for any sign of their pursuers.
"Why were they after you, Lucy?" he asked, keeping his voice low.
She hesitated. "I... I saw something I shouldn't have."
"Saw something? Or took something?" He pressed. His gut told him it was more than just 'seeing'.
She glanced at him, her gaze sharp. "Why does it matter?"