Chapter 87

Lauren's POV

The calm yet firm voice of the captain echoed through the speakers, announcing that we were about to land. The words stirred me out of the light nap I had been clinging to, my eyes blinking open slowly as I adjusted to the dimmed lights of the cabin. I turned my head to the right, where Aria sat beside me, her tiny head resting against the cushioned seat. She was still sound asleep, her lips parted slightly, her breathing soft and even.

She looked so peaceful, completely unaware of the whirlwind that had consumed our lives in just a matter of hours. We had left my place before dawn, rushing through the quiet streets to make sure we didn’t miss our flight. Everything felt hurried, messy. Aria barely had time to rub the sleep out of her eyes, and I barely had the chance to think.

If anyone should be resting right now, it was her. A child her age shouldn’t have to be dragged across countries, pulled away from familiar places and routines.