“Right behind us,” I assured her, though fear clawed at my throat. “He’s making sure no one follows.”
We reached the tunnel entrance just as Jake appeared at the top of the stairs. He descended quickly, helping me maneuver Nora through the door we’d unhinged earlier.
“Declan’s at the extraction point,” he said, pulling the door closed behind us as best he could. “Mikhail will meet us there.”
The tunnel seemed longer on the way out, darker and more oppressive. Nora clung to my hand, stumbling occasionally in the near darkness. Jake brought up the rear, constantly checking behind us for pursuit.
“Almost there,” I encouraged Nora. “Just a little further.”
We reached the outer door, pushing through into the blinding whiteness of the storm. The wind hit us like a wall, snow driving horizontally into our faces.Through the swirling flakes, I could make out the silhouette of an SUV, its headlights dimmed.
“There,” Jake pointed, his arm around us both as we fought against the wind.
Declan appeared out of the storm, moving to help us. “Quickly,” he shouted over the howling wind. “More of Petrova’s men are coming around from the east side.”
We stumbled toward the vehicle, the snow nearly knee-deep in places. Nora was shivering violently now, her small body not built for this kind of cold.
“Where’s Mikhail?” I asked as we reached the SUV.
“Not here yet,” Declan replied, helping Nora into the backseat. “Kane’s watching for him.”
I climbed in beside Nora, pulling her close to share warmth. Jake hesitated by the door.
“I’m going back for him,” he said, his expression resolute.
“Jake, no,” I protested. “It’s too dangerous. The storm—”
“I’m not leaving him behind,” he cut me off, his eyes meeting mine. “Get Nora to safety. I’ll be right behind you.”
Before I could argue further, he closed the door and disappeared back into the swirling snow. Declan slid into the driver’s seat, glancing back at us.
“He’ll be fine,” he assured me, though his voicelacked conviction. “Jake knows what he’s doing.”
Nora pressed closer to me, her small body still trembling. “Is Jake going to get my dad?” she asked in a small voice.
“Yes, baby,” I said, smoothing her tangled hair. “They’ll both be right behind us.”
The minutes stretched like hours as we waited in the idling SUV, the storm intensifying around us. Kane stood watch outside, a dark silhouette against the driving snow. Declan kept checking his watch, his expression growing more tense with each passing minute.
“We can’t wait much longer,” he said finally. “The road will be impassable soon.”
“We’re not leaving without them,” I said firmly, though dread was building in my chest.
Just then, Kane signaled from outside. Two figures emerged from the whiteout, supporting each other as they fought through the deepening snow. Jake and Mikhail.
Relief swept through me, so powerful it left me lightheaded. Kane rushed to help them the last few yards to the vehicle.
“Go, go!” Jake shouted as they piled into the SUV, bringing a swirl of snow and bitter cold with them.
Declan didn’t need to be told twice. He threw the vehicle into drive, tires spinning before finding purchase in the snow. We lurched forward, awayfrom the compound and into the raging storm.
“Dad!” Nora cried, reaching across me toward Mikhail, who looked battered but conscious.
“I’m here, little one,” he managed, his voice rough. “I’m here.”
Jake collapsed into the seat beside me, his face pale with cold and exertion. I reached for his hand, needing the reassurance of his touch.
“Alexei?” I asked quietly.
