The ride to the warehouse was a blur. Riley barely registered the route, her mind occupied by everything she had just learned. She kept replaying Soren's words in her head, trying to make sense of them. Zayden's family wasn't just wealthy—they were dangerous. More dangerous than she had realized. And she was about to step into the heart of their world.
Lara, as always, was calm and collected, driving with a purpose that seemed to give Riley a sense of reassurance, even as her anxiety mounted. But Lara had made it clear that this wasn't going to be easy. No part of this would be simple.
When they finally arrived, the warehouse loomed ahead, a dark, imposing structure at the edge of town. The windows were boarded up, and there was an eerie stillness in the air. It didn't feel like a place where people came to work. It felt like a place where people went to disappear.
Riley's stomach twisted into knots as they pulled up to the entrance. "This is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lara nodded. "This is where Zayden's family operates when they want to keep things quiet. Whatever's going on here, it's big. You need to be careful."
Riley didn't respond. She didn't need to be told to be careful. She knew that. But there was no turning back now. She had come too far, and she would see this through, no matter the cost.
They got out of the car, the cool night air hitting Riley like a slap to the face. The silence of the area was unnerving, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
As they approached the door, Lara paused, looking around for any sign of movement. "Stay close. And keep quiet."
Riley nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what they were about to walk into, but she couldn't back out now. Not when Zayden's life—her future—was on the line.
The door creaked open as they entered, the dim light from the hallway casting long shadows across the floor. The smell of mildew and rust filled the air, and Riley's breath caught in her throat. She had expected something dark and dangerous, but being here, in the heart of it all, was different than anything she had imagined.
The silence was deafening, but Riley could hear the faint sound of footsteps ahead. She looked at Lara, who gave a barely perceptible nod. They were not alone.
And that's when Riley realized just how deep she was in it now. There was no going back. Not anymore.