CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN – CLEARLY AN AMBUSH

As dawn broke, Florian opened Leo's envelope with trembling hands. Inside was a map, a key, and a note with final instructions. "We're to meet him at an abandoned warehouse near the docks," Florian read aloud. "There's a back entrance. We use the key to get in, then wait for his signal." Cassie nodded, already donning her disguise. "What time?" "Sunset," Florian replied, committing the map to memory before burning it in the fireplace. "We should leave here by four to be safe." The hours crawled by, each minute feeling like an eternity. They double and triple-checked their disguises, ran through their cover stories one last time, and packed the few belongings they'd take with them. Finally, it was time. They stood at the cabin door, each taking a deep breath. "Ready?" Florian asked, squeezing Cassie's hand. She nodded, her jaw set with determination. "Ready. Let's go start our new life." Hand in hand, they stepped out of the cabin and into the unknown, their hearts pounding with