REED’S POV
The drive home stretched on, each second dragging as my mind spiraled deeper into the chaos that had become my reality. The hum of the car engine was the only sound, blending with the faint whispers of Liana’s soft breathing. My grip on the steering wheel was vice-like, my knuckles whitening under the strain. It felt like if I let go, even for a second, everything would fall apart—both the car and my sanity.
I risked another glance at her, curled up in the passenger seat. Her hair framed her face like a halo, the gentle rise and fall of her chest so steady, so calm, it was maddening. How could she sleep after what had happened? How could she find peace in a world that seemed hellbent on tearing her apart?
I forced my gaze back to the road, the memory of her limping figure sti
