Every Chance Is A Trap

The air crackled with tension as Selene steadied her grip on the weapon, her pulse hammering in her ears. Gunfire echoed through the storage room, bullets ricocheting off metal crates, sending sparks cascading through the air with every second counted, there was no time for hesitation and no time to second-guess. Eve crouched beside her, her breathing sharp, her hands tightening around a discarded pipe she had grabbed for defense and their only chance was to break through the guards blocking the exit before they were completely surrounded. Selene inhaled deeply, forcing her thoughts into sharp focus. The guards were spread out, moving strategically, trying to corner them from all sides, their movements were well calculated, which meant they were trained, disciplined, and methodical but so was she. She turned to Eve. 'We go together. You take left and I take right." Eve gave a short nod, gripping her weapon tighter, no words were needed and they both understood. Selene's muscles tensed as she pushed forward, her movements controlled and precise. The first guard rounded the corner with his gun raised but Selene fired before he could react. The shot hit his shoulder, sending him stumbling back and his grip on the weapon loosening. She lunged forward, slamming the butt of her gun into his jaw, knocking him unconscious before he could call for backup. Eve moved just as swiftly, ducking low as another guard swung at her. She sidestepped smoothly, driving her pipe into his ribs before twisting, slamming the end of it against the back of his head and sending him crumpling to the ground, unmoving. More footsteps approached and the element of surprise was gone, they needed to move. Selene exhaled sharply, scanning the space, and saw a stack of crates standing between them and the exit so if they could use the height advantage, they might be able to reach the upper ledge where another door was partially open. She grabbed Eve's arm. 'Up. Now." Eve didn't question as they sprinted toward the crates, scrambling up the rough wooden surface as more guards stormed into the room and bullets tore through the air as Selene pulled herself onto the top of the crates, her breath sharp as she turned, covering Eve as she climbed. Her gun was nearly empty but she had to make every shot count. The guards below moved quickly, shouting orders to block their escape route, one of them raised his rifle, taking aim but Selene didn't hesitate, she aimed and fired, the bullet struck his hand, sending the weapon spinning from his grasp. Eve reached the top, breathing hard but she didn't wait, she lunged for the overhead pipe running along the ceiling, swinging her legs over to catch the ledge. Selene followed, her muscles straining as she gripped the metal, pulling herself up just as bullets tore through the crates below. Splinters flew in all directions, but they were already moving, climbing higher, reaching for the opening. Eve grabbed the edge first, pulling herself through. Selene pushed forward, gripping her hand as she hoisted herself. Selene's body jerked violently as a guard below yanked her back, trying to pull her down. Pain shot through her leg as she kicked out, twisting sharply. Eve reacted instantly, gripping Selene's arm with both hands. 'Hold on!" Selene clenched her teeth, using every ounce of strength to break free as she swung her free leg, driving her boot into the guard's face. He grunted in pain, his grip loosening just enough for her to pull herself up. Eve didn't wait. She yanked Selene the rest of the way through the opening before slamming the metal door shut behind them and they collapsed against the floor, breathing heavily. Selene pushed herself up, scanning the new space, a narrow corridor stretched ahead with the dim lighting casting eerie shadows along the walls. Eve exhaled sharply, wincing as she rolled her shoulder. 'We can't stop." Selene nodded, forcing herself upright. 'Let's go." They moved quickly, navigating the corridor, their steps echoing against the walls with every turn feeling like a risk and every door a potential trap then they reached another intersection. Selene hesitated, left or right? But before she could decide, a voice rang out behind them. 'You're making this difficult." Eve stiffened beside her and Selene's stomach clenched as she turned to see Lucian standing at the far end of the corridor, his expression unreadable, his hands tucked into his pockets. His presence alone was enough to send a cold wave through her veins. Lucian tilted his head slightly. 'Did you really think I wouldn't anticipate this?" Selene didn't answer, at this point words were useless. Lucian sighed, taking a slow step forward. 'You always insist on resisting." His voice was calm and steady. 'It's impressive, really." Selene's grip tightened on her weapon. Lucian smiled faintly but it wasn't amusement but something that looked cold. 'But now it's over." Selene's body tensed. The corridor was too narrow. If they turned to run, they would be trapped and if they fought, they would be overwhelmed. Lucian gestured slightly, footsteps of more guards echoed behind him. Eve exhaled, her voice low. 'Selene." Selene clenched her jaw, they had run out of options. Lucian stepped closer. 'Surrender, and I'll be merciful." Selene met his gaze, a fire that refused to die burning deep in her chest as she lifted her gun. 'Not a chance." Lucian sighed. 'Then let's finish this." The guards surged forward and Selene moved.