The Ghost in the Forest

Declan

The SUV reeked of piss, sweat, and iron. Chains clattered in rhythm with the road, each jolt yanking Vladimir’s wrists and ankles raw. He sat slumped in the backseat, gagged and hooded, every shallow breath proof he hadn’t yet managed to die. I wouldn’t let him. Not yet.

Cassian rode beside him, knees bouncing, knife tapping against the window. He hummed tunelessly, every so often leaning o