The rhythmic hum of the jet’s engine filled the cabin, a steady sound that did little to calm the storm within Anaya. She sat near the window, watching the endless stretch of darkness outside, the vast sky mirroring the emptiness she felt inside.

Across from her, Luca sat with an unreadable expression, one hand resting on his knee, the other holding a glass of whiskey. His eyes never left her, as if studying her every move, every breath.