Chapter 50: Trailing by One Point in the Game of Hearts

Vander's POV

The next morning, I found myself leading a caravan of vehicles toward Sickle Gorge. What should have been a private, contemplative journey had become a lively procession, with music blaring from windows and excited chatter filling the desert air.

In my SUV, I had the dubious pleasure of Lyra in the passenger seat, while Jett and Elara occupied the back. Through the rearview mirror, I