At the backseat of the car, Ash rested his head against Adrian's shoulder, still pale and trembling.
A notification pinged on Adrian's phone. He glanced at it and froze; a trending video showed Ash's mother being arrested for the murder of the two doctors. He shook his head, muttering under his breath, "Lucien...what kind of plot twist have you set up? You know what...you're in trouble with Ash. I'm out."
Ash stirred, sweat beading on his forehead, his body growing hotter. Adrian's worry deepened. He exhaled slowly, letting his pheromones ripple gently, trying to soothe Ash, but the heat only seemed to intensify.
"Shall we... go to your doctor, Eric?" Adrian murmured softly, brushing a strand of hair from Ash's damp forehead.
Ash shook his head weakly. "Take me...to grandmother," he whispered.
Adrian nodded without another word and turned to Bravin. "Drive to the airstrip. Now."
Bravin adjusted the route and pulled off, heading toward the airstrip.
...
