*Hadley*The parking lot is a cold, unforgiving space where my impatience battles with the freezing night air. I'm pacing, my footsteps echoing off the concrete, each step a sharp jab of frustration aimed at the sluggish passage of time. LZ's voice, steady and understanding, breaks through my internal storm. "I get it, Hadley. I do. But diving headfirst into danger without a plan is not going to help Logan. We need to be smart about this."I'm about to retort, the words perched on the tip of my tongue, when the sound of an approaching vehicle cuts me off. It's the old pick-up, rugged and worn, pulling into the space beside us with a sense of urgency that mirrors the frantic beating of my heart. Marshall jumps out, his presence a solid reassurance. "I've got Logan covered," he promises, and something in his tone, a fierce determination, eases a fraction of the tightness in my chest.I don't hesitate, climbing into the vehicle first, followed by LZ. The interior smells of leather and ol

*Hadley*Ryan's grip tightens on LZ, and in that moment, I feel my world teetering on the edge of oblivion. LZ's eyes meet mine, a silent goodbye I refuse to accept. It's like the universe pauses, waiting for my move, a move I don't know how to make… until something deep inside me stirs.It's a weird sensation, like a hum in my blood, a melody that's been silent for too long finally bursting forth. I have never felt anything like it, I did not know I was capable… but it's as if every part of me recognizes this power, knows it's been mine all along, just waiting.I don't think; I react. My hand shoots up, not really knowing what I'm aiming for, only that I need to stop Ryan, save LZ, do something. The air around us seems to vibrate, and then, like breaking through the surface after being underwater for too long, I feel it unleash.Words, or maybe it's just pure sound, spills out of me. It doesn't make sense, but it doesn't have to. It's power, raw and ancient, a siren's call that no on