Chapter 12

• The car rumbled along the narrow dirt road, surrounded by dense trees that seemed to close in around them. The isolation of this place was precisely what they needed—a secluded house near a tranquil lake, far from the prying eyes of the city.
• As they reached the small clearing where the house stood, Zander felt a sense of satisfaction. This was the perfect location to keep someone captive, away from civilization and any chance of rescue. Daniel turned off the engine, the sudden silence enveloping them.
• Zander shifted in his seat, noticing that Aria had fallen asleep, her head resting gently against his shoulder. He hesitated for a moment, watching her peaceful expression. There was an innocence about her that seemed so out of place in this grim scenario. He tried to wake her softly, nudging her shoulder.