Ten minutes later.
Several black armored vehicles sped through the highway connecting Southford and Bloomsdale.
Rain suddenly began pouring heavily across the dark roads.
Inside the lead vehicle, the atmosphere remained tense.
Xylia sat beside Aciel silently while Simon occupied the front passenger seat.
Numerous clan vehicles followed behind them. And everyone was heavily armed.
The sharp sound of thunder echoed across the sky.
Xylia tightly gripped her phone while repeatedly trying to contact her mother's nurse.
No answer.
Her anxiety only worsened.
Chelsea wasn't answering either. Neither was Liliana.
Aciel quietly noticed her trembling hands.
Without saying anything, he reached over and took her hand gently.
Xylia looked at him in surprise.
"You'll panic if you keep thinking too much," he said calmly.
Despite the terrifying situation, his hand felt warm.
Steady.
Safe.
Xylia slowly tightened her fingers around his unconsciously.
