ous on his back. His heart pounded, every step carrying him farther from the nightmare they had narr

r th

, spotted Kayden and Ava. Without hesitation, he radioed for backu

bolted, pushing his body to its limits, but he knew he

ar was coming down the highway, headlights cutting through the darknes

he driver-a woman with short dark hair and de

ve to help us!"

at Ava. Without a word, she threw open th

y placing Ava beside him. As the door slammed shut, gunsh

!" Kayde

d them for a moment, but the woman's driving skills kept them at bay. She swerved and weaved throug

ieved breath, still

much," Kayden breathed, h

at him in the rearview mirror. "Y

dded. "I'

odstained clothes and the shallow rise

r?" Jia asked, her vo

lied, his voice tight. "I

t's safe. Hold on." She pressed the pedal to the metal, an

spital. Jia quickly parked the car, and two nurses rushed out with

ng Ava's pale face as they entered the em

f her," one of the

wheeled Ava away. He was about

safe here?" Kayden a

"Yes. My brother owns t

sense of relief

or, ordered the nurses to transfer Ava to the operating room. Kayden, thou

rse Laura approached. "Are you a rela

"I'm the only family she has lef

eading him to the desk where he

sure Kayden and Ava recei

body had not fully eased, Kayden slipped

e city lights, her posture calm but her

even know how to thank you for what you've done fo

u don't have to thank me, Kayden. Just consider me pa

s. The simple act of kindness brought a sense

d into the waiting area where Jia and Kayden were anxiously waiti

Is she alive?" Kayden fired off the questions in

anged a glance, both s

doctor speak," Jia said, try

eration was successful, and she'

yden's voice was s

continued. "She needs a donor. The

e stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly ag

ght do something reckless. When they reached Ava's room, they found Kayden sta

throat. "All we need i

e only family I have left, same as her. We're both orphans

g from your injuries. You have bruises, and you need re

ession hardening. "She's my re

der. "Let's find her a donor, Kayde

Ava's condition started to improve. Kayden didn't leave her side. For two

e a quick shower, wanting to clear his head. Afterward, he checked on Ava,

ht, Jia entered the room, ca

greeted cheerfully, but

his hand instinctively on his

the table. "What are you doing ove

it," Kayden replied,

va stirred. She started coug

in surprise. "Kay

ge of relief flooding throu

ou?" Ava's voice was weak

His tone was gentle, but Ava flinched slightly, the tension

ound her, patting her back

warm smile on her face. She stepped forward, o

used expression, then turned

rought us here," Kayden explained

. "I'm sorry for acting like I did earlier. I'm

eed to apologize. I'm

of relief in his eyes as he sque

ip on his hand tig