Chapter 39

• The car rumbled softly over the uneven dirt road, its tires crunching against fallen leaves and gravel. Maya sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed as she stared out at the dense trees surrounding them. In the backseat, Ivy and Ethan chatted excitedly, their laughter punctuating the hum of the engine.
• “Are we there yet?” Ethan asked, leaning forward to peer over the seat.
• “Almost,” Rafael replied, his hands steady on the wheel. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Patience, little man.”