CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIX – THE TRAIN TO FREEDOM

The rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels against the tracks filled the cramped cargo compartment where Cassie and Maxwell huddled. The air was thick with the scent of metal and oil, making Cassie's enhanced senses reel. "How much longer?" Cassie whispered, her body tense with anticipation. Maxwell checked his watch. "We should reach the Russian border in about four hours. If we're lucky, we'll slip through unnoticed." Suddenly, Cassie's ears perked up. "Maxwell," she hissed, "I hear something. Footsteps. They're getting closer." Maxwell's face tightened. "They've found us. We need to move. Now." They scrambled to their feet just as the door to their compartment slid open with a loud screech. A burly man with a scar across his face peered in, his eyes widening as he spotted them. "Here!" he shouted. "They're in here!" Maxwell reacted instantly, lunging forward and shoving the man backwards. "Run, Cassie!" he yelled as he grappled with their attacker. Cassie darted out of the c