The cold night air outside the warehouse felt almost unreal after everything that had just happened.
Layla stepped out beside Elias, the wind brushing against her face as if the world was reminding her she was still alive. Her legs felt slightly weak as they crossed the empty industrial yard toward the black car waiting near the gate.
Marcus remained behind inside the warehouse. The sounds of muffled shouting from the kidnappers echoed faintly in the distance before the heavy door shut again.
Layla wrapped her arms loosely around herself as she walked beside Elias.
Only now, with the danger gone, did the weight of what had happened begin settling over her.
The dark van.
The cloth over her mouth.
The suffocating smell.
The ropes.
Her breathing slowed as she pushed those thoughts aw
