The car finally came to a stop.
But relief never came with it.
Only dread.
It settled deep in Alessia’s chest, heavy and immediate, as if her body understood the danger before her mind could fully process it.
Her heart pounded hard against her ribs as she turned toward the window.
This wasn’t a public place.
There were no nearby buildings. No people. No movement.
Just an empty structure standing in the distance abandoned, silent, and waiting.
A slow realization crept in.
This was planned.
“This isn’t what we agreed on,” she said, her voice tight as she turned toward the driver.
He didn’t answer.
Didn’t even look at her.
Instead, the door beside her opened from the outside.
Her breath caught instantly.
“Out.”
The voice was different. Colder. More direct.
For a split second,
