**Dawn light filtered through mist-shrouded pines as the black SUV eased onto the winding forest road.** Celeste Su tightened her grip on Leo's hand as the vehicle navigated hairpin turns. Behind them, LuTech's search teams probed the lowlands—Adrian's forces kept the perimeter thin, buying the family a fragile window.
Lucinda rode shotgun, her eyes scanning the GPS device. “We've got roughly two hours before they widen the net. Your safe house is still secure, but only just."
Celeste exhaled, shoulder taut. “Thank you—for everything." She glanced at Leo, who peered out the window at soaring evergreens. His heart monitor, now implanted beneath his collarbone, pulsed in steady rhythms against her thigh. **Meter –10%** from the old collar's phantom ache.
The SUV climbed to a lonely ridge.
