IRIS

“Next left,” I say. “We’re heading to the south ridge, outside the city.”

The driver nods, not asking questions. I sit back, letting the reality of everything catch up with me.

I’m running away. From my life, from everything I know. And yet, I don’t feel like I have a choice. Not with what Darian told me. Not with the fire I saw in his eyes when he said his father wanted me dead.

As the car makes the turn, Darian shifts beside me. “Thank you,” he says quietly.

I look over at him. “For what?”

“For trusting me. Even after all this.”

I’m quiet for a beat. “It’s...