Samantha's POV
As we hurried out of the warehouse, Julian leading the way, Alex's firm hold on my hand was guiding me through the turmoil. The cool night air hit my face. Though not from the sprint, my heart raced. Everything that had lately happened—Lila's betrayal, Marcus's cryptic threats, and now Julian's warning—pressed heavily on me and made it difficult for me to think straight.
But the last words from Julian— Marcus isn't the only one dragging the strings—were the one I couldn't escape.
Alex advised us to keep on running down an alleyway behind the warehouse, his voice tense with haste. Although he moved quickly, he did not panic. Alex was stable even now, with everything whirling out of control. He was consistent all the time.
The anxiety running through me made it impossible
