Chapter 76: Chapter 76: The Edge of Resolve

Sophia could still hear the distant echoes of the helicopter's crash as they reverberated in her mind, a reminder of how close they had come to disaster. The river that now separated them from the enemy offered some protection, but not nearly enough. She knew that Black Phoenix wouldn't stop hunting them. This was just the beginning of their escape.

"Zoe, drink some water," Sophia instructed, handing her a canteen. Zoe took it with a shaky hand, the color slowly returning to her face as she took a few sips.

Ethan returned from his lookout position, his expression grim. "No sign of movement yet, but they'll be on us soon. We need to keep moving."

Sophia nodded. "We have to reach the secondary extraction point. But they'll expect us to head straight there, so we'll have to take a detour."