Dead foliage crunched beneath you as you ran. Peeking shrubbery scratched your skin, cool air hit your face at the speed of your retreat.

The sounds of heavy breathing and snapping twigs trailed closely behind.

König was close.

Suddenly, you met the forest floor, dirt scraping against your skin. A knee kept pressure on your back. One hand yanked your head up by the hair, and the other collected your wrists into a bruising grip.

It was over. KorTac had targeted you, and König never missed.

A dark snicker came from above. "Ah, nowhere to run now, kleine ratte? You were fast, I'll admit, but not fast enough."