Tiara's POV
My shoulder throbbed with every step through the woods. Dawn had fully broken now, painting the trees in gold light that felt wrong for what lay ahead. Adrian moved a few paces ahead, his shoulders tense as he navigated a path only he seemed to see.
"How much further?" I asked, my voice raspy from thirst.
Adrian paused, glancing back at me. "Half mile, maybe less. You holding up?"
"Just peachy," I said, pressing my hand against the bandage. It came away with fresh blood. "Nothing like a morning stroll with a bullet wound."
His mouth twitched—almost a smile, but not quite. "You complain a lot for someone who's supposed to be a professional."
"Being professional doesn't mean I can't point out how much this sucks."
We continued in silence for a few minutes. Birds chirped ov
