ASTRID'S POV

I stumbled out of the cab, tears welling in my eyes as I glanced around, scanning the area to ensure I wasn’t being watched or followed.

My heart raced as I took a moment to gather myself.

After a brief pause, I saw nothing but the quiet, stillness of the surroundings, so I turned and made my way into the woods, hoping to find some solace among the trees.

With each step I took, the weight of my emotions pressed heavier on my chest, causing my heart to sink deeper into despair.

It felt as though a dark void had opened up inside me, an emptiness that I...