The helicopter cut through the night sky, its rotor blades beating a heavy, relentless rhythm that echoed inside the metal cabin. The sound filled the space like a dull war drum.
Lily sat pressed tightly against Ethan, her head resting on his shoulder. Her eyes were closed, but sleep had not come. Her fingers gripped the fabric of his jacket as small tremors ran through her body. The past forty-eight hours had carved fear deep into her bones.
Ethan kept one arm wrapped firmly around her shoulders, holding her close as if letting go for even a moment might cause her to disappear again. His other hand rested on the Glock lying across his lap. His fingers stayed curled around the grip, tense and ready.
He couldn't relax.
Every shadow in the helicopter felt dangerous. Every small sound mad
