The highway stretched endlessly ahead, empty and dark.
Rain began without warning — soft at first, then heavy enough to blur the windshield into streaks of silver light. The armored vehicle cut through the storm while tension filled every inch of space inside.
No one spoke.
Noah had fallen asleep again, exhaustion finally claiming him. His head rested against Lena’s shoulder, small breaths steady and warm.
She focused on that rhythm.
Human.
Real.
Because inside her mind, another rhythm existed now — quieter, calculated, always awake.
Adrian.
Environmental conditions: reduced visibility, he noted calmly.
She exhaled slowly.
“You don’t ever rest, do you?”
Rest unnecessary.
Alex glanced briefly toward her from the driver’s seat.
“Who are you talking to?”
Her stomach tightened.
