Cassian’s POV
I opened my mouth to ask Sera another question when the car shuddered violently and came to a sudden stop.
“What’s going on?” I asked calmly, turning to the driver.
“I… I don’t know, sir,” he replied, looking uneasy. “The engine just… died. I double-checked everything before we left. I swear.”
I nodded and took a deep breath. “Stay here, Sera. Don’t get out of the car. I’ll check.”
She crossed her arms and gave me a look that would have made most men think twice, but I ignored it. The night was unnerving, but fear didn’t come easily to me. The road stretched ahead, flanked by dense forest, the shadows curling between the streetlights. Mist hung low, wrapping the trees in pale gray, making everything feel unreal.
I stepped out and opened the hood. Everything looked norma
