Ahead, Stanley spotted a narrow alley that cut between two buildings — just wide enough for a single car to squeeze through.
Without hesitating, he veered into it.
The tires screeched against the pavement, and Lilac tightened her hold around Seren as the car jolted. She glanced back and saw the black car hesitate, unable to make the sharp cut in time.
"They missed it!" Lilac gasped, hope fluttering in her chest.
Stanley didn't slow down. He sped through the alley and merged onto another busy street, blending into the flow of traffic. Only after a few tense seconds did he finally ease the pressure off the gas.
He kept glancing in the mirrors, but the black car was nowhere to be seen.
Lilac exhaled a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She loosened her grip on Seren, brushing a hand over her soft curls.
"You okay, little one?" she murmured.
Seren nodded sleepily, yawning, her body relaxing against Lilac. Thankfully, she hadn't fully realized the danger.
