Chapter 19. Rising Tensions

Myla was running, her bare feet slapping against endless ground. She was trying to reach Hayden, who was far ahead of her, his chair sinking into the earth as though it had turned to quicksand. He wasn’t panicking or calling out for help; he just silently stared at her, his hazel eyes locked on hers as the ground devoured him.

“Hayden!” She screamed in panic. She pushed harder, arms pumping, calves burning, trying to reach him, but no matter how hard she tried, the space between them never reduced. Every step slid her back, like she was running on a treadmill.

He sank another inch into the sand. His mouth moved silently, calling out her name.

“No!” she cried, her throat raw. “I’m coming, Hay! Hold on!”

She pushed harder, legs burning, but every step seemed to drag her back, every breath thinner, her scream breaking against the vast