Violet closed her eyes, letting Ethan lead her to the car. The engine hummed softly as they pulled out of the campus, the city lights streaking past. Her mind raced with curiosity, but she dared not open her eyes. She trusted him, as she always did, and the anticipation made her pulse quicken.

“Almost there,” Ethan said, his voice low and steady beside her. “Just a few more minutes.”

Violet’s hands gripped the seat, the excitement and nerves mingling inside her. She had no idea where ...