*Shelby*

The ear-splitting sound of the helicopter's blades sliced through the air, a relentless chopping that seemed to sync with the pounding in my head. I winced with each step as Michael's hands steadied me, his grip strong yet gentle. The pain was a sharp reminder of the ordeal I'd just survived, but it paled compared to the flood of relief washing over me. We were leaving the nightmare behind.

"Easy does it," Michael murmured, guiding me into the belly of the giant that ...