Cold-Blooded

Chapter 15

As we drove deeper into the woods, the trees loomed like sentinels, their branches weaving together to form a dark canopy overhead. The further we went, the more my anxiety began to dissipate, replaced by a flicker of hope that, just maybe, Khaleesi could help us.

Bella finally slowed the car, pulling up to a rustic cabin tucked away in a small clearing. The place looked sturdy yet welcoming, with smoke curling from the chimney and a warm glow spilling through the windows. "This is it," she said, her voice filled with resolve as she turned off the engine.

We hurried up the creaking steps, and Bella knocked firmly on the door. A moment later, it swung open to reveal Khaleesi Barret—my older cousin, her deep brown hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders, and her deep brown eyes sparkling with a mix of surprise and delight.

"Blair!" she exclaimed, stepping aside to pull me into a tight embrace. It had been three years since I would last seen her, but the familiarity of her presence felt like a balm against the chaos surrounding me.

"I can't believe it's you," I said, stepping back to take her in. "You look amazing!"

Khaleesi grinned, her expression shifting to concern as she noticed the tension in my shoulders. "What is going on? You look like you have been running a marathon."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "It's been a rough few days. I found some files that put me in danger. Ms Lawson is involved, and now my identity's been leaked."

Her expression darkened, and she crossed her arms, a protective fire igniting in her eyes. "We need to talk. Come in."

The cabin was cozy, filled with the rich scent of pine and a warmth that felt like a sanctuary against the chaos outside. Khaleesi led us to a sturdy table in the centre of the room, the flickering fire casting a soft glow around us.

"Tell me everything," she urged, her voice steady and commanding.

As I recounted my discoveries, each word heavy with implications, I could see Khaleesi processing the information, her fierce loyalty evident in the way she leaned closer, her dark eyes never leaving mine. Bella sat beside me, her hand resting supportively on mine, a reminder that I was not alone in this.

"Alright," Khaleesi said once I finished, her tone resolute. "We need a plan, and we need it fast. If Ms Lawson is involved, we are not just dealing with a simple leak."

A knot tightened in my stomach at her words. "What do we do?"

Khaleesi's expression hardened. "First, we gather as much information as we can. I have resources and contacts who can help. We need to find out exactly what is at stake."

Determination ignited within me. I might have stumbled into this mess, but I was not going to let it consume me. "I'm in," I said firmly. "Whatever it takes."

Khaleesi smiled, a fierce spark in her eyes that mirrored my own resolve. "Good. Then let us get to work."

As we settled into the cozy cabin, the warmth of the crackling fire began to chase away the chill of the night. I could feel the tension still coursing through me, a tight knot in my stomach as I glanced between Khaleesi and Bella. It was surreal to be back with my cousin after three long years, especially under such dire circumstances.

Khaleesi leaned forward, her deep brown eyes piercing through the haze of uncertainty that surrounded us. "Blair, tell me everything. What exactly did you find?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "It started with some documents I stumbled upon during my research for a school project. They were in a hidden folder on a shared drive I accessed. At first, I thought it was just a bunch of outdated records, but then I realized they contained information about my family—things I had no idea about."