Chapter 453
Chapter 453:
His shoulders were broad and solid, and the moment she settled against them she felt something unexpected — a sense of security, as though she were sheltered behind stone.
“You’ve really been putting in the work,” she said.
Davin stopped for exactly one step. His ears turned red. He recovered quickly and kept moving.
Kristine pulled out her phone and tried Asher again. It rang out to voicemail, same as before. She switched to Danica.
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“Danica — have you heard anything from Asher p>
Danica caught something in her voice immediately. “Kristine, what’s wrong? What’s happening p>
“People are trying to kill me. I need to reach Asher and get out of Evira p>
“I went to the Edwards Group offices,” Danica said, her voice tight with worry. “They said he never came in today. Do you think something’s happened to him p>
The fear that moved through Kristine was sharp and immediate. She pushed it down and held her voice steady. “No. Asher is going to be all right p>
She meant it. Not as reassurance — as conviction. Asher was too sharp, too careful, too prepared to be caught off guard. Whatever was happening, he would find his way through it.
“Danica,” she said after a beat. “Keep looking for him. Don’t stop p>
“What about you?” Danica asked.
Kristine’s eyes went quiet and cold. “I know what I need to do p>
She ended the call and dialed Alma.
Alma knew people throughout Evira — influential people, people who could move things quickly and quietly. If anyone could get her somewhere safe or out of the city, it was her.
“Kristine!” Alma answered, her voice bright with the particular warmth of someone who hadn’t yet been told what was wrong. “It’s late — why are you calling now p>
“Alma, I need help. Someone is trying to kill me p>
A pause. When Alma spoke again, every trace of lightness was gone. “Tell me exactly where you are. I’m sending someone now p>
Kristine read out the address from her phone.
“Stay put,” Alma said, and hung up.
For the first time in hours, Kristine felt something that resembled hope. She tapped Davin on the shoulder. “Alma is going to p>
Davin stopped.
Completely, without warning, without a word.
Kristine felt his entire body go rigid beneath her. “What is it? Why did we stop p>
He didn’t answer.
She looked past his shoulder and understood immediately.
A man stood in the street ahead of them. Long black coat. A gun held at his side with the ease of someone who had been carrying one his entire life. His eyes moved to Kristine with the precise, unhurried focus of a man who had found exactly what he came for, and a faint smile crossed his mouth — not warm, not human. The smile of a hunter confirming the target.
Kristine climbed down from Davin’s back and stood on the pavement.
This might be her only chance.
“Who sent you?” she asked, keeping her voice level. “Why am I being hunted p>