I’m not going anywhere

Nicole's message burned into my mind like a flare in the dark. Layla is missing. The words were stark and terrifying, each one a hammer blow to my chest.

For a moment, everything around me faded—Leo's smug face, the noise of the street, the sting of the cold night air. All I could think about was Layla.

"Zaya, are you even listening to me?" Leo's voice dragged me back to reality, his tone laced with condescension.

I turned to him, my hand tightening around my phone. "Shut up, Leo," I snapped, my voice sharper than I'd intended. His eyes widened slightly, the usual calm in his expression replaced by surprise. I didn't wait for him to respond. "Just shut up."

Without another word, I spun on my heel and ran toward the valet station. My heart was pounding, adrenaline surging through me like a tidal wave. I needed to move. I needed to find her.