"Elena, please don't be afraid!"
The moment the fear crossed my face, Julian pulled the car over.
But the second it slowed, I shoved the door open and ran.
My heart slammed hard against my ribs as my feet hit the pavement. Cold air burned my lungs. My mind raced. How did he replace my driver without anyone noticing? The thing I'd dreaded most had finally happened.
Julian knew.
No one would ever believe something like this unless they'd lived through it themselves. A soul returning. A second life. A stolen body.
Behind me, a door slammed.
Footsteps followed.
Fast. Steady.
My instincts screamed. Run. Hide. Survive.
I turned sharply into an alley, my pulse roaring in my ears. He was chasing me, and the way he moved focused, relentless made me feel like prey cornered by something stronger.
People who lost their grip on reality were the most dangerous.
"Stop!" I spun around and raised my phone. "Stay back! One more step and I call the police!"
