Chapter 70

*Lyra*

The engine sputtered once, twice, and then silence.

"No, no, no…" I whispered, gripping the steering wheel as if I could will the car to keep going through sheer desperation.

But the car had other plans. The fuel gauge had been screaming empty for the last few miles, and now I was stuck. I slammed my hands on the wheel, panic rising in my chest as the reality of the situation hit me.

I was