MATHEW

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I trailed the black SUV, keeping a safe distance so they wouldn’t notice me. The city lights flickered around us as the car swerved through the streets, heading toward the outskirts of the city. My heart pounded in my chest, each second stretching into what felt like an eternity.

I couldn't let them take Ariana away again. Not without knowing why. I leaned forward, eyes locked on the taillights ahead, determined not to lose them.

The SUV took a sharp turn, and I followed suit, my tires screeching against the asphalt. They couldn’t know I was behind them, not yet. I had...