Riley stood by the window, her eyes scanning the dense woods that surrounded the house. She had never felt so exposed. Every shadow, every rustle in the trees, seemed like a potential threat. It felt like she was being watched, even though she knew there was no one around. Her thoughts were consumed by Zayden.
Where was he? Was he okay? And why hadn't he tried to find her?
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and she turned, startled.
"Riley, I know it's hard," Lara said, stepping into the room with a cup of tea in her hands. "But you need to keep it together. You can't let the fear take over."
Riley took the cup from Lara and sipped it absently. "I just don't understand. Why didn't he tell me everything? Why did he push me away?"
Lara's expression softened. "Zayden isn't the kind of person who lets anyone in easily. His family… they've trained him to be ruthless. To trust no one. But Riley…" She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. "Zayden's feelings for you are real. I've seen it. I know it."
Riley's chest tightened. "But he's still part of that world, Lara. And that world is dangerous. I'm not cut out for it."
"You are," Lara replied firmly. "You may not see it now, but you've already proven that you're stronger than you realize. You don't have to fight alone. I'll help you find your way back to him."
The weight of her words pressed on Riley's shoulders. She wanted to believe them, wanted to believe in the possibility of being with Zayden, but the fear still lingered, gnawing at her from the inside.
There was only one thing she knew for sure now—she had to find Zayden. And no matter what, she would not stop until she did.