“Let’s go downstairs,” I suggest, glancing around the now-bare room with a sense of finality. “We should be ready when the others are.”
Rion nods, hoisting the suitcase with ease, and together we step out into the hallway.
Two
Anna
Aksel’s voice cuts through the tense silence as we stand in the dimly lit room, mapping out our next move. “I found a place to stay, but it’s best not to use transport charms to go there this time. They might trace our magic since they’ll start here if they’re looking for us. We can’t be tied to this place,” he says, his eyes scanning our faces.
“Then how do you suggest we get there?” Rion asks, his Irish lilt betraying a hint of impatience.
“By car,” Aksel replies, his tone brooking no argument. “The human way.”
And so, we find ourselves piling into Aksel’s SUV, squeezing together in the cramped space. He hasn’t gotten the seven-seater yet. I slide into the backseat, deliberately positioning myself as far away from Blaze as possible. My anger still simmers beneath the surface, fueled by the fact that he kept so much from me.
How can I trust him now?
“Everyone good?” Aksel asks, looking into the rear view mirror as he starts the engine.
“Considering the circumstances, yeah,” Felix replies. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he tries to ease the tension.
“Let’s just get going,” Griffyn sighs. He leans back in his seat and closes his eyes, clearly trying to find some semblance of peace.
As the car pulls onto the road, my mind races with unanswered questions and growing concerns. What exactly are we getting ourselves into? How far-reaching is this organization? And most importantly, can we truly trust each other when everyone continues to keep secrets?
I can feel the weight of Aksel’s responsibility as he drives in silence.
Rion sits next to me with his arms crossed, lost in his own thoughts. The seriousness of our situation hangs heavy in the air.
But one thing is certain - we’re all in this together, and if we have any hope of surviving, we need to be open and honest with each other. As I glance over at Blaze, my heart aches with both anger and worry for him. Even though I’m furious with him for keeping secrets, I can’t help but feel protective of him too.
The hum of the car’s engine fills my ears as we drive, guided only by the dim glow of the headlights cutting through the darkness. I fidget in my seat, unable to find a comfortable position to rest. My mind races with thoughts of what lies ahead, and sleep eludes me.
Hours later I finally ask, “Where are we going?”
“Indiana,” Aksel replies curtly, not taking his eyes off the road.
After one of many stops to grab a snack and gas up the car, someone else finally speaks.
“Want someone else to take a turn driving?” Felix asks.
Aksel just ignores him. Typical Akshole.
I should try. “Aksel, do you want a break?”
Aksel smiles gently at me and says, “I’m fine, Anna. Thank you.”
“Wow, someone’s gone soft,” Griffyn teases, smirking at Aksel’s reaction to my question.
I feel smug about it.
“Jealous much?” Felix chimes in, nudging Griffyn playfully. Their banter provides a brief reprieve from the tension that hangs heavy in the air.
As we drive onward, I still can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched. My instincts tell me to be cautious, and I keep an eye on the passing cars, searching for any sign of pursuit. But the roads remain quiet, and we continue our journey without incident.
The tense silence in the car is suffocating. My fingers drum nervously on my thigh, and I take a deep breath to steady myself.
Rion leans forward, his lithe frame tense with worry. “What’s the plan, Aksel?” he asks. His voice is soft but insistent, demanding answers.
