Alina’s Pov

I couldn’t stop replaying the moment in my head. The screech of tires, the fear that gripped me like claws, Steven’s face twisted in panic, it all felt unreal, like some dark dream I couldn’t wake up from.

And yet, it had happened. Right there, in front of me. I had barely escaped, but alive.

But instead of relief, there was this…weightiness. A knot in my stomach that refused to untangle. I found myself avoiding him, walking different routes when I knew he’d be around, ...