Chapter 42

I stepped out of the car, cradling Lana in my arms. Her small frame radiated warmth against my chest, a comforting weight amidst the unsettling atmosphere that clung to me like a second skin. I tried to dismiss the creeping unease that slithered up my spine, but it was a futile endeavor. My eyes flickered toward the alley, drawn instinctively to the shadows that loomed there. At the far end, a car sat in silence, its lights extinguished, merging seamlessly with the darkness surrounding it.

I couldn’t discern who occupied the vehicle, but the sensation of being watched enveloped me, hitting me like a punch to the gut. My instincts screamed a warning, a primal urge to flee.

Shaking off the dread, I quickened my pace, pulling Lana closer to my chest as if to shield her from the unseen threat. She stirred slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips, but I dared not look back. The unease twisted within me, a knot that tightened with each step I took. My senses were on high alert, sharper than ever, and everything about the air felt wrong, oppressive.

Finally, I reached the door, and a breath of relief escaped my lips. Perhaps I was merely being paranoid—wasn’t I?

Inside, Collins awaited me, but the moment our eyes met, his expression shifted. The worry etched on his face told me everything; my own visage must have betrayed my turmoil. “What happened?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

I pressed my lips together, forcing the unease down, shoving it aside like an unwanted guest. “Nothing. I’m just tired,” I replied, attempting to sound more composed than I felt.

Collins didn’t seem entirely convinced, but he nodded, his demeanor gentle. “Then go get some rest.” He opened the bedroom door for me, the gesture warm and reassuring, a small comfort in a world that felt increasingly chaotic.