Chapter 6: The Shadow and the Savior
The man stepped out of the car, his dark coat blending into the night. Anifah held their breath, trying to make out his features. Ammar’s grip on their arm tightened.
“We have to leave—now,” Ammar whispered urgently.
Before they could move, the man’s phone rang, its sharp tone slicing through the silence. He answered with a curt nod, his voice low and unreadable. “Yes, I’m here. I’ll handle it.”
Ammar pulled Anifah further into the shadows, but they froze as another figure appeared—a young woman, dressed in a leather jacket, her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail. She moved with a confidence that made her seem out of place in the quiet school parking lot.
“Ammar,” she called out, her voice cutting through the stillness. “You can stop hiding. It’s me.”
Anifah’s eyes darted to Ammar, who looked as stunned as they felt. “Do you know her?”
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“Yes,” Ammar muttered, stepping out of the shadows reluctantly. “What are you doing here, Hana?”
The man near the car turned sharply at the sound of her voice, but she waved him off. “Relax, Damon. I’m not here to blow anyone’s cover.”
“Damon?” Anifah whispered.
“The Circle,” Ammar explained under his breath.
Hana approached, her piercing gaze landing on Anifah. “You must be the one stirring up trouble,” she said, not unkindly. “Nice to finally meet you.”
“Who are you?” Anifah asked, stepping closer to Ammar.
“She’s... complicated,” Ammar said.
Hana smirked. “That’s one way to put it. Another way is to say I’m your best shot at staying alive.”
“Alive?” Anifah repeated, their heart racing.
Hana glanced at Damon, who was now pacing near the car, clearly agitated. “Look, we don’t have much time. The Circle knows you’re asking questions, and trust me, they don’t like loose ends. I’m here to make sure you don’t end up as one.”
“Why would you help us?” Ammar asked suspiciously.
“Because I know what they’re capable of,” Hana said, her tone serious. “And because I owe you, Ammar. You got me out once. Now it’s my turn to repay the favor.”
Anifah looked between them, confusion and unease swirling in their chest. “What’s going on? How do you two know each other?”
“It’s a long story,” Ammar said.
Hana cut him off. “And one we don’t have time for. Follow me. I’ll explain everything somewhere safe.”
Ammar hesitated, but Anifah grabbed his arm. “We don’t have a choice,” they said.
Damon’s voice rang out suddenly. “Hana, you have ten seconds to step away. Orders are orders.”
Hana’s jaw tightened. “We’re leaving,” she said, her hand reaching into her jacket.
Anifah’s stomach dropped. “What are you—”
Before they could finish, Hana pulled out a smoke canister and threw it to the ground. Thick gray smoke engulfed the area, and she grabbed their hands, dragging them toward the far end of the parking lot.
"Run!”