Riley's POV
Consciousness returns to me slowly, like surfacing from deep water. The familiar rumble of the SUV engine fills my ears as my eyes flutter open. This time, my body feels stronger, more responsive. I manage to push myself upright, the leather seat creaking softly beneath me.
My gaze immediately finds Vanessa and Felix, both curled up like sleeping cherubs in their car seats. Their peaceful faces are a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in my mind. Vanessa's tiny hand is clutched around her favorite stuffed rabbit, while Felix's mouth hangs slightly open, completely oblivious to the danger we're running from.
"Everything's going to be okay," Freya's voice drifts back to me from the front passenger seat. Her eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, filled with a reassurance I desperately want to believe.
