Chapter 41: Eyes in the Moonlight

Elena and I step out of the car, hearts hammering. The figure by the plane stands in faint moonlight, cap pulled low. I can't see his face clearly, but I feel his stare.

A low voice calls, "You Elena?"She lifts her chin. "Who wants to know?"

His chuckle is harsh, echoing in the empty air. "R asked me to ferry you. But I see you're not alone." His gaze slides to me, and a flicker of distrust crosses his features. "We only got room for two."

I exchange a look with Elena. Did R mention me? She tenses, uncertain. "He's coming with me."

"Fine. Then let's move. Fuel's burning." The stranger motions us forward. I sense he's armed by the way he moves, posture guarded.

As we approach, I glimpse a second silhouette near the plane's door—another person, possibly armed too. My spine tingles. This could be our ride out… or an ambush. Elena's hand brushes mine, the unspoken question: Do we trust them?

The man turns, revealing sharp cheekbones and a half-smile. "We can go, or you can run back to wherever you came from," he says quietly. "What's it gonna be?"

We hold our breath, stepping closer, fate on a razor's edge.