Chapter 12

The road stretched endlessly before them, a ribbon of dirt and gravel winding through dense woods. The limo hummed quietly as it glided through the streets, the soft purr of the engine melding with the rustling of leaves in the cool evening breeze." Althea sat as far from Kaden as the Limo would allow, her hands tightly folded in her lap. Her gaze was fixed out the window, though the dark forest beyond blurred as her mind churned with anxious thoughts. Kaden sat across from her, his broad shoulders filling the space with an imposing presence. His arms rested casually on his knees, but his silver eyes remained locked on her, studying her with an intensity that made her chest tighten. The silence between them was suffocating, but neither of them seemed willing to break it. Kaden shifted slightly, the leather seat creaking under his weight. “You’re awfully quiet,” he said, his voice calm but probing. “I don’t have anything to say,” Althea replied, her tone sharper than she intended. She d