The split second of hesitation cost me dearly, but not my freedom. Oh no. Because if there's one thing I've mastered in my life, it's the art of slipping through the cracks when all odds are stacked against me.

Bakugo's snarling declaration still hung in the air as I sprang into action. The crate beneath my paws groaned under the sudden shift in weight as I launched myself toward the fence. I was a blur, every muscle in my body coiled tight like a spring.

"Catch me if you can!" I taunted mid-air, my voice dripping with defiance.

The fence loomed ahead, its jagged spikes gleaming under the dim light. A sane person would think twice about vaulting over it. Me? I didn't have the luxury of sanity.

I twisted mid-leap, narrowly avoiding a fiery blast from Bakugo. The explosion sent debris raining down, but I didn't flinch. My claws caught the top of the fence, and with one fluid motion, I pulled myself over, the cold metal biting into my pads.

Behind me, Bakugo roared like the tiger he was, primal and furious. "I'm not done with you, leopard!"

Todoroki's voice cut through the chaos like a blade. "Katsuki, don't. He's baiting you."

Baiting? Well, sure. That's what I'd call sheer desperation wrapped in a snarky attitude.

I dropped to the other side of the fence, my landing barely more than a soft thud. My tail flicked behind me as I sprinted into the shadows, my breaths coming fast but controlled. The alleyways became my playground, every twist and turn another opportunity to lose them.

But these weren't ordinary pursuers.

I heard them close behind, their footsteps echoing like thunder. Bakugo, of course, was loud—his boots smashing against the pavement as if he could pummel the ground into submission. Todoroki was quieter, his movements precise and deliberate, but no less relentless.

I darted around a corner, my keen eyes catching every detail in the dim light. The narrow alley stretched out before me, littered with broken crates and forgotten trash. A fire escape ladder hung loosely from a building on my left. Perfect.

I bounded toward it, my claws scraping against the rusted metal as I scaled it with the ease of the predator I was. Below, I heard Bakugo snarl something unintelligible—probably cursing me to the depths of hell.

Once I reached the rooftop, I paused for a split second to survey my surroundings. The city sprawled out before me, a maze of lights and shadows. Somewhere out there was safety, but right now, all I had was distance.

I darted across the rooftop, leaping from one building to the next with a grace that only came from years of practice. The wind whipped against my face, carrying with it the faint scent of smoke and city grime.

Behind me, Bakugo's explosions lit up the night like a deadly fireworks display. He wasn't giving up, not even close.

"Get back here, you coward!" he bellowed, his voice raw with frustration.

"Coward?!" I shouted back, not breaking stride. "You're the one throwing tantrums like a toddler with too much dynamite!"

I risked a glance over my shoulder and regretted it instantly. Bakugo was gaining on me, his explosive leaps propelling him forward at an alarming speed.

Todoroki wasn't far behind, his mismatched eyes locked onto me with a focus that sent a shiver down my spine.

I pushed myself harder, my muscles burning as I bounded across another rooftop. The edge was coming up fast, but I didn't hesitate.

I leapt into the void, the city yawning beneath me. For a moment, it felt like flying—weightless and free.

Then gravity took over, and I plummeted toward the next rooftop. I hit the surface hard, rolling to absorb the impact. Pain shot through my side, but I didn't stop. I couldn't afford to.

The sound of explosions grew louder behind me, and I knew Bakugo was closing the gap. But then, as if the universe decided to throw me a bone, I spotted my salvation: an open vent leading into the bowels of the building.

Without a second thought, I dove for it, my body twisting to fit through the narrow opening.

I landed in a dark, dusty corridor, the air thick with the smell of mildew and neglect. Perfect.

I darted down the hallway, my paws silent against the concrete floor. The building was a labyrinth of abandoned offices and forgotten dreams, and I used every ounce of my agility to weave through it.

Behind me, I heard the distant sound of Bakugo's explosions, but they were growing fainter. He wouldn't risk tearing the place down with me inside.

I smirked to myself, despite the ache in my ribs. "Better luck next time, tiger."

The corridors twisted and turned, leading me deeper into the heart of the building. Finally, I emerged into a storage room filled with old furniture and rusting filing cabinets.

I leaned against the wall, my chest heaving as I caught my breath. My ears strained for any sound of pursuit, but all I heard was the faint creak of the building settling.

For the first time since the chase began, I allowed myself a moment of stillness. My tail flicked behind me, a restless reminder of the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.

I'd done it. I'd escaped.

But as the silence settled around me, so did the weight of what had just happened.

I'd gone up against Bakugo and Todoroki—the two most dangerous alphas in the city—and lived to tell the tale. Barely.

A grim smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Not bad for an omega, huh?"

But I knew this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Because if there was one thing I was certain of, it was that they wouldn't stop until they found me.

And next time, I might not be so lucky.