Chapter 109

Lisa's POV We stepped outside into the low-burning sunlight, the sky painted in shades of orange and blood. The breeze smelled like pine and impending war. Even the air around here felt rich, less oxygen, more pride. I watched Aisha walk ahead of me, her shoulders high, her braid swaying behind her with timing and control. Even when she wasn't trying, she looked untouchable. Like a queen already crowned, I followed, every step behind her echoing with things I could never say out loud. You didn't deserve this. You didn't appreciate it. You got lucky. A black SUV waited at the curb, shining like a shadow with wheels. One of Simon's guards stood by the door, head bowed. Aisha nodded at him, and without a word, the man opened the door and stepped back, Of course she had people opening doors for her. Of course she had guards. I slid into the backseat beside her, keeping my movements tight and careful. I didn't want to give anything away, not yet. The car started moving, but the silence betw