SIXTY

KIERA’S POV

I stood frozen, watching Gabriel’s car disappear into the night. My heart raced—not from fear, but disbelief. He actually left!

Yes, I know I said I’d call Damien and I pretended to, but that was just an act to humble him. I never thought he would actually leave me alone on this desolate road, the chill biting at my skin like winter’s breath.

I had outdone myself this time. I dug my nails into my palm, hoping the pain would squeeze my frustration out. What was I thinking? How did it come to this?

Taking a deep breath, I pulled out my phone. Well, I guess it’s time to actually call Damien.

I dialed, my hands trembling slightly as the emptiness around me pressed in, dark and empty like a void.

Each ring of the phone echoed my rising anxiety, stretching the silence into a taut string.

“Hello?” Damien’s voice cut through.

“Damien, I need you,” I said, striving to keep my voice steady, but I could hear the tremor betraying me.

“What’s happened? You sound—” he paused, concern cr