PROFESSOR BLACK POV
I jumped out of the car the second it screeched to a stop.
Rubber burned the road. Smoke curled into the air.
The sound of that gunshot was still ringing in my head, the call from Amara cutting off mid scream. My chest felt too tight, like my lungs forgot how to work.
People were gathering. I shoved them aside without slowing.
“Get out of the way!” I roared.
Leo was right behind me.
The car was wrecked. Metal twisted. Smoke pouring out.
My heart slammed hard against my ribs.
I rushed to the window. Please don’t be inside.
Please.
I smashed my palm into the windshield. Glass shattered.
Shards bit into my skin, slicing deep, blood dripping freely, but I didn’t feel it. Didn’t care.
“They’re not here,” I muttered hoarsely.
Relief hit for half a second.
Then
