Chapter 81 Glass And Steel

• The leather seat creaks beneath me as I shift for what feels like the hundredth time, my eyes drawn to the checkpoint ahead—our fourth one so far. Efrem sits beside me, the blue glow of his laptop screen casting shadows across his sharp features. I watch as his fingers move across the keyboard, wondering what command he’s issuing, what plans he’s setting in motion.
• My gaze drifts to the rearview mirror, catching Alek’s eyes briefly before he returns his attention to the road. Tavin sits rigid in the passenger seat, his vigilance never wavering. Through the side mirror, I can see the identical black SUV following us—Matvey and Ivan maintaining their protective distance.
• “Identification,” a stern voice demands from outside.