The sun began its descent, casting long, eerie shadows across the forest floor. Alessandro and Enzo pressed on, their pace relentless, their destination unknown. They moved like phantoms, their senses honed, alert to every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig."We need to find shelter," Enzo said, his voice low. "It's not safe to be out here after dark."Alessandro nodded, his gaze scanning the surrounding terrain. "There's a cave a few miles from here," he said. "I used to hide there when I was a kid."They changed direction, heading towards the cave, their hope a fragile flame in the encroaching darkness. As they walked, Alessandro couldn't shake the feeling that they were being followed. He could sense the presence of the Shadow Wolves, lurking in the shadows, their eyes fixed on their prey."We're not alone," Alessandro said, his voice barely a whisper. "They're still out there."Enzo stopped, his hand resting on the grip of his pistol. "I know," he said. "We need to be careful. They're probably waiting for us to let our guard down."They continued their journey, their every step measured, their every move calculated. As they neared the cave, Alessandro's anxiety grew. He had a bad feeling, a sense of impending doom."Wait," Alessandro said, stopping abruptly. "Something's not right. I can feel it."Enzo frowned, his eyes scanning the surrounding woods. "What is it?" he asked."I don't know," Alessandro replied, "but I don't like it. I think we're walking into a trap."Enzo hesitated, his gaze darting nervously around the area. "Maybe you're right," he said. "Maybe we should find another place to hide."But it was too late. As they turned to leave, the Shadow Wolves emerged from the trees, surrounding them."Going somewhere?" one of the Wolves said, his voice laced with a cruel amusement. "We can't let you do that."Alessandro and Enzo were trapped, outnumbered and outgunned. The Shadow Wolves had been waiting for them, had led them into a carefully orchestrated ambush.Alessandro's heart sank. He knew this was it. They had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. The end was near.But he wouldn't give up without a fight. He had come too far, sacrificed too much. He would protect Enzo, would give him a chance to escape."Run!" Alessandro shouted at Enzo, his voice filled with urgency. "Get out of here! Save yourself!"Enzo hesitated, reluctant to leave Alessandro. But he knew Alessandro was right. He couldn't help him if he stayed."I'll come back for you!" Enzo shouted, his voice filled with remorse. "I promise!"And with that, he turned and ran, disappearing into the trees. Alessandro watched him go, his heart filled with a mixture of relief and despair. He had saved Enzo, but he had sealed his own fate.He turned back to the Shadow Wolves, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Let him go," Alessandro said, his voice low and dangerous. "He has nothing to do with this."The Wolves laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Sorry," one of them said. "But we can't do that. He knows too much."They raised their weapons, aiming them at Alessandro's chest. "Any last words?"Alessandro closed his eyes, bracing himself for the end. He thought of Clara, her face radiant with love. He regretted that he wouldn't be able to see her again, to hold her in his arms."I love you, Clara," he whispered, his voice barely audible.Then, the world exploded. The Shadow Wolves opened fire, their bullets tearing through the air. Alessandro felt a searing pain in his chest, his body collapsing to the ground.As darkness closed in, he saw a figure emerge from the trees, moving with incredible speed and agility. It was Clara.She had come back for him.
