The tension between Riven and Thira filled the car as they sat spaced awkwardly apart in the backseat.

Even Mr. Manuel, their driver, had been engulfed by it; his usual calm demeanor was replaced by fidgety movements and anxious, reckless driving. His overspeeding frightened Thira, but she had no choice except to bear with it. According to Riven, they needed to reach the New Zealand branch as quickly as possible—even if it meant flying past traffic in a Hyundai.

Only six minutes earlier, ...