Chapter 173

• Sienna's POV
• Rain pounded the forest, soaking us to the bone as we chased Sofia’s trail through mud and thorns. Her backpack at the mill had been a gut-punch.. my little sister, out here alone, thinking she could stop Victor’s heir. My heart hammered, fear and pride tangled tight. Ryan limped beside me, his leg wound bleeding fresh, but his eyes burned. “We’ll find her,” he grunted, pushing through pain. Elena trailed, her breaths ragged, face pale as death. Lightning cracked, lighting up the trees, and I spotted it.. a rusted broker safehouse, its door ajar. Sofia. She had to be there. My boots slipped, but I ran faster, Ryan cursing as he kept up. A radio crackled far off.. Harrow, hunting us. Time was running out.
• The storm roared, wind howling like it wanted to rip us apart. I shoved the safehouse door open, shouting, “Sofia!” There she was, crouched in a corner, clutching a worn ledger, tears streaking her muddy face. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed, voice small. “Wanted to stop the heir… didn’t wanna be a burden.” My chest ached.. pride for her guts, fear for her recklessness. I dropped to my knees, hugging her tight, her wet hair sticking to my cheek. “You’re enough, kid. Always.” Her sobs shook us both, and I held on, promising she’d never need to prove herself. Ryan knelt too, his hand gentle on her shoulder, but his eyes flicked to the door.. trouble wasn’t far.