_Lisa's POV_
The sun hadn’t even fully risen when we set out. The sky was still painted in soft pinks and oranges. The world was caught between night and day. A soft fog hung low over the land as we drove eastward, heading toward the unknown.
Rylan had brought along some of his warriors. They were strong and loyal men who followed his every command without hesitation. I sat beside him in the front seat of the SUV, my fingers clenched tightly around the straps of my bag. My heart was racing.
I stared out the window, watching as the trees became taller and denser. The air grew cooler. The forest stretched on endlessly, and my stomach twisted in knots.
“Are you okay?” Rylan asked, breaking the silence.
I nodded but didn’t speak.
He glanced at me. “You’ve barely said a word since we left
