A Traitor

Ashley's heart raced as she careened into the dense thicket of the forest, her tires kicking up dirt and leaves in her wake. With a sense of desperation, she abandoned her car at the forest's edge, knowing that it would only serve as a beacon to her pursuers. With each passing second, the sound of footsteps grew louder behind her as the agents of The Golden Apple closed in, their voices echoing through the trees as they called out her name.

"Spread out and search the area! She can't have gone far!" one of them shouted, his voice ringing out with authority.

Ashley darted between the trees, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to keep her footing on the uneven forest floor. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig sent shivers down her spine as she pressed herself deeper into the underbrush, praying for a miracle to save her from the relentless pursuit.

The branches clawed at her clothes, leaving thin scratches on her skin as she pushed her way through the dense foliag