Chapter 11 - Through the Fog and Fire
Shen’s vision flashed white with agony, but his rigorous mental discipline prevented his legs from giving out beneath him. Gritting his teeth, he seized the wire with his bare left hand and yanked hard, dragging the stunned shooter forward into a devastating knee strike that ended the struggle instantly. Shen tore the copper barbs from his flesh, breathing heavily through his teeth, the smell of burnt fabric hanging in the damp air. He turned back toward the gangway, signaling for Elena to make her break for the wooded hills behind the beach.
Elena slipped past the gate with Leo wrapped tightly in her coat, darting into the dense pine trees that lined the headland trail. Shen followed closely behind, guarding their rear, his right arm partially numb from the electrical shock. The pursuit was relentless; heavy footsteps pounded along the wooden boardwalks behind them, accompanied by the urgent barking of trained attack dogs echoing through the trees. Darkness was creeping over the coastline as storm clouds gathered, threatening to trap them between the cliff face and their pursuers.
