The rain just kept coming, pounding the black car like a thousand tiny fists. Inside, it was almost too quiet. The hush swallowed up the noise from outside, made the storm feel even bigger. June sat in the back seat, shivering—part cold, part fear. She gripped the silver chip, the Blood Key, so tightly the sharp edges bit into her skin. Still, she wouldn’t let go.
Dante sat next to her, forehead pressed against the window. His eyes were half-shut, but he watched June’s reflection instead of looking at her. He seemed lost—caught somewhere between loving her and seeing just another stranger who hurt him.
"June," he whispered without turning. "The phone. You have to throw it out."
She glanced at the phone in her hand. Her father and Bianca Vancent filled the screen, the video still playing
