I move along the side of the SUV, keeping to the shadows, every step slow.
The night stretches around me—open, dark, quiet enough that every sound feels too loud.
But I don’t stop.
I can’t.
Kai.
Gabriel.
I move past the line of vehicles, slipping further out, following the pull in my chest—
And then—
“Cassidy.”
I freeze.
Ethan.
Shit.
I turn slightly.
He’s a few feet back, headset on, tablet in hand, eyes locked on me.
“You’re not supposed to be out here,” he says low.
I don’t answer.
I just look at him.
A warning.
Don’t.
His jaw tightens.
For a second he hesitates, then his hand lifts to his comm.
“Max—”
I move.
Gone.
I slip past him before he finishes, fast, quiet, disappearing deeper into the dark.
Behind me—
“Cassidy’s out of the car.”
“Cassidy.”
Max’s voice
