Chapter 6 A Glimpse of the Past

Jasmine and Ethan plunged into the unknown, the cold warehouse air stinging their lungs. Around them, shadows moved and flickered in the dim light coming in through dirty windows. She felt a primitive drive to survive as her heart raced and adrenaline burned through her veins like wildfire.

She said, attempting to regain her breath, "What now?" As they moved through the congested area, her fingers entwined securely with Ethan's, and the air was heavy with the smell of rust and dust.

Ethan's brow was knitted in concentration as he looked about. "We must figure out a solution. There must be a way out. He walked carefully over abandoned crates and antiquated equipment that loomed like specters of a bygone era.

Jasmine trailed behind, her senses sharpened. She couldn't get rid of the unsettling feeling that they were being watched, and every floorboard squeak reverberated. She was painfully reminded of how quickly things had gotten out of hand by the commotion of their escape from the alley.

Jasmine saw a number of yellowed and peeling photos affixed to the walls as they slipped farther into the building. They portrayed photos of a busy industry, with workers grinning amid the machinery-scenes from a bygone era that suddenly seemed alien.

She pointed to the pictures and said, "Look at these." "What do you suppose transpired here?"

Ethan stopped and looked at the pictures. It appears to have been a flourishing area in the past. However, now... A thick quiet descended upon them as his voice faded away.

With a heavy heart, Jasmine whispered, "Now it's just a graveyard of memories." The pictures had a peculiar hold on her, as though they were secrets just waiting to be discovered.

They were startled back to reality as they heard footsteps outside. Jasmine's pulse pounded once more as the gravity of their predicament overcame her. "We must move!" she demanded, pulling Ethan's arm.

He gave a nod, and they moved on, skirting the ruins of a life that had been. However, as they drew farther into the darkness, Jasmine couldn't get rid of the shiver of uneasiness that was running up her back. She was compelled to delve further as though the walls themselves were whispering their secrets.

Ethan responded, "Wait," but he stopped suddenly. "Have you heard that?"

Jasmine's hearing strained, and she heard voices in the distance. They were drawing nearer. A rush of sickness swept over her, and panic swept through her. "They're on their way. We must hide!

With his eyes searching for a hiding spot, Ethan looked about. "Over there!" He indicated a little gap between two big crates that were placed shakily against the wall.

With their backs to the chilly metal, they clambered into the little hiding place. Jasmine was grounded amid the tumult by the warmth of Ethan at her side. She held her breath as the sounds got louder, her pulse racing frantically in her chest.

A strong, commanding voice said, "Check the back rooms." "They couldn't have traveled very far."

"Yes, but where in this place could they hide?" Another voice, filled with annoyance, answered.

As Jasmine heard the approaching footsteps, her heartbeat accelerated. There was a noticeable tension in the air as the goons searched. Dread sat like a thick stone in her gut, and she could almost feel the heat of their rage radiating through the walls.

"What if we are discovered? Her voice trembled as she whispered.

Ethan grimaced as he grasped her hand. "We'll work it out." Simply keep quiet.

Jasmine's mind wandered to David as they heard the men's footsteps. He had deceived them, but why? What was it he desired? There was no time to ponder the questions that raced through her head. It was a matter of their survival.

A thunderous boom echoed through the warehouse, and then there was a yell of rage. "They're inside! I sense it!

Jasmine's throat tightened each breath. "We need to leave right away!" she said, her adrenaline pushing her to take action.

They cautiously moved themselves out of their hiding place after Ethan nodded. Jasmine's heart pounded as they scurried from shadow to shadow in the warehouse, which felt like a maze, in an attempt to evade detection.

As they turned a corner, Jasmine saw a bunch of goons obstructing the exit, which made her heart sink. Their eyes were looking around for any movement, their faces contorted with resolve.

"Split up!" exclaimed one of them. "If we cover every exit, they won't be able to get out!"

Jasmine's thoughts whirled. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she yelled to Ethan, "We need to find another way out!"

"Come with me!" Ethan drew her toward a flight of steps that led to a lofted space. The shouting went farther away as they ascended, but Jasmine's nerves were still aching.

They arrived to the summit to find themselves in a poorly lighted area with damaged furniture and outdated machinery. She could see the warehouse below from the loft, and she was saddened to see the thugs looking for them.

Do you think there's a way out? Desperately looking around the room, Jasmine questioned.

Ethan gestured to a window high on the wall and added, "Maybe over there." "It appears to have the potential to lead outdoors."

As they approached it, Jasmine nodded and her heartbeat accelerated. "We must leave before they discover us!"

As they arrived at the window, Jasmine's heart fell when she heard footsteps below. Time was not on their side.

"Go quickly!" Lifting her to the window, Ethan pushed. "You go first!"

Her pulse pounding, she clambered through the gap and landed on the ground outside. However, Ethan heard a huge crash from inside the warehouse as he followed her. Jasmine turned to see the goons, their features contorted with anger, charging toward them.

"Go!" With a cry, Ethan dragged her with him as they ran out of the building. Adrenaline propelled her onward despite the chilly night air stinging her cheeks.

Footsteps reverberated behind them as they ran down the alley. Fear made Jasmine's heart race. The truth of their predicament weighed hard on her shoulders as they heard their pursuers getting closer.

A black figure stepped out of the darkness just ahead. Jasmine narrowed her eyes and felt her heart race when she saw David standing there with an unreadable face.

With his palms raised, he commanded, "Stop!" "You must pay attention to me!"

Ethan paused and tightened his hold on Jasmine. His voice was laced with mistrust as he yelled, "What do you want?"

David took a step forward, his eyes shining with something deeper and a sense of desperation. "You must have faith in me before I can assist you. This is your only opportunity as they approach.

Jasmine had a surge of anxiety. Have faith in you? after everything?

But she knew they had no other option as the sounds of pursuit approached. The danger was obvious as the shadows drew closer.

Jasmine felt the weight of their choice bearing down on her as she and Ethan exchanged a desperate glance.

With someone they couldn't trust, would they venture into the unknown?

The decision that would determine their fate was about to be made as the night seemed heavy with uncertainty and danger lurking behind them.