Anna’s heart pounded with every bump in the road as the car sped toward the unknown. The driver remained silent, his face unreadable, eyes fixed on the path ahead. She glanced out the window, but the sprawling city lights soon gave way to darkness as they approached the coastline. The faint sound of waves crashing against the shore reached her ears, mixing with her frantic thoughts.
What was going on?
Why did Jaden need her?
Was he hurt? In danger?
Her palms were slick with sweat, and she gripped the edge of her seat tightly. The tension in her chest tightened with every second.
Finally, the car slowed and came to a halt. Anna’s eyes darted around, expecting some emergency, a crowd, maybe even flashing lights. Instead, she was greeted by the soft, rhythmic sounds of the ocean and the
