The Predators Patience

The bus rumbled down the empty highway, its headlights slicing through the darkness like twin daggers. Inside, the air was thick with exhaustion, the quiet hum of the engine lulling most of the passengers into an uneasy sleep.

But Lila couldn't sleep.

She sat stiffly by the window, her fingers gripping the fabric of her jeans, her eyes darting to every pair of headlights in the distance. The paranoia wouldn't leave her.

Adrian had let them go.

But why?

Lora, curled up beside her with her head against the window, stirred slightly, mumbling something in her sleep before settling again. She had been so adamant about leaving, so sure that Adrian was dangerous, that Caleb was the safer option.

Lila wished she could believe that.

But safety had never been part of the equation.