In your shadows || Sierra six

CHAPTER 10

I haven't felt this level of fear since the last time I truly cared about someone. The intensity of it made my heart pound relentlessly, like a drummer playing without pause. But I couldn't afford to let the fear consume me—I had to stay composed, focused. I took a deep breath and swiftly composed myself before returning to the porch. As I approached the door, I noticed Six observing me intently, his sharp eyes missing nothing. The concern etched on his face was evident as he asked, "Are you alright?"

"We need to leave. It's a matter of life or death," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

"Why?" he asked, his tone firm, but I could see the flicker of worry in his eyes.

"I'll explain everything on the way. Please just gather your belongings because we will not be returning here for a while," I responded, trying to keep the urgency in my voice from tipping into panic.

I attempted to distance myself, to move quickly, but Six stepped forward, grabbing my arm with a firm grip. I stopped and looked at him, our eyes locking in a silent standoff. He let go, realizing the force of his actions.

"You need to tell me what's wrong. I am here to protect Claire and yo—"

"You are here to protect Claire, not me," I cut him off, my voice firm. "Please, listen to me and let's go. Get Claire while I gather a few things. I'm unsure about the amount of time we have, so we have to act quickly."

Six stared at me for a brief moment, searching my face for answers I couldn't give him right now. Then, without another word, he nodded and swiftly headed down the hallway to get Claire. As I entered my room, I moved with a sense of purpose, grabbing a backpack and filling it with essential items: a considerable amount of cash, a credit card, my passport—which Donald had kindly procured for me—and a few items of clothing. My hands trembled slightly as I entered my closet to retrieve Claire's passport and the documents related to her peacemaker. Every second felt like an eternity, but I knew I had to keep moving.

I quickly changed my clothes, opting for something practical and easy to move in, then grabbed a phone charger and headed to Claire's room. The sound of Six's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he carried Claire in his arms, her small form limp with sleep. I entered her room and grabbed a bag, packing it with some clothes, skincare products, and two of her favorite books—small comforts for what was about to be a chaotic journey.

As I left the room, I made a quick detour to the kitchen, grabbing a few water bottles and stuffing them into my bag. The fear still gnawed at the edges of my mind, but I pushed it down, focusing on the task at hand. I hurried to the garage, where Six was gently placing Claire in the car. She was still fast asleep, her breathing even and peaceful—a stark contrast to the turmoil around us. It surprised me that she hadn't woken up from all the movement, but I was grateful for the small mercy.

I put the bags in the trunk and retrieved the car keys hanging on the wall. Just as I was about to slide into the driver's seat, Six stepped forward.

"Give me the keys. I'll drive," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I hesitated for a moment, considering whether to insist on driving myself, but something in his eyes told me to trust him. I handed him the keys and slid into the passenger seat. We both got into the car, the silence between us heavy with unspoken questions and mounting tension.

As we drove toward the airport, the car was filled with an uncomfortable silence. I could feel Six's gaze on me from time to time, waiting for an explanation. Finally, he broke the silence.

"You owe me an explanation. Can you explain what is happening?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with impatience.

"I understand that you may be feeling confused at the moment," I began, trying to find the right words. "But the important thing to know is that Donald will be contacting you."