Eric studied Hadley beside him and said gently, “You must be exhausted. Take a nap. I’ll keep watch.”

Hadley shook her head firmly. This was her responsibility. How could she possibly let him handle it while she slept?

“Listen,” Eric coaxed softly.

“It’ll be dawn by the time we reach our destination. No need for both of us to stay awake. You sleep first, then we can switch.”

“Alright then.” The reasoning made sense. Hadley nodded in agreement. She closed her eyes and settled back against the worn seat. The gentle swaying of the train made her eyelids grow heavy.

Eric kept his vigilant watch in Andrea’s direction when he suddenly felt a gentle weight settle against his shoulder. Turning his head carefully, he found Hadley leaning against him.

Had she fallen asleep? But leaning at this awkward angle couldn’t be very comfortable, could it?

Terrified of disturbing her rest, Eric didn’t dare make any sudden move. Inch by inch, he carefully adjusted his position, slowly lowering the shoulder her head rested on so she could settle more comfortably against him.

There.

Eric smiled softly, warmth blooming in his eyes. He whispered tenderly, “Rest easy.”

Outside the window, complete darkness had enveloped the landscape. Eric stifled a deep yawn. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, too. The girl beside him slept on, showing no sign of stirring. His entire side had long since grown numb and stiff. He didn’t dare disturb her, and hadn’t even considered it. He simply let her continue sleeping peacefully.

Blinking hard to stay alert, he kept his vigilant gaze fixed on Andrea.

“Hadley? Wake up! Hadley!”

Hadley, who had been sleeping peacefully, jolted awake. Eric’s concerned face hovered close as he gently shook her shoulder.

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“Hadley, are you awake?”

She opened her eyes, instantly alert.

“Get up!” Eric said urgently, pointing toward the front of the train.

“We need to prepare to get off!”

Now? Hadley frowned and quickly checked her phone.

“We haven’t reached the station yet.”

Eric grasped her arm firmly.

“Come on…”

Eric reached out and gently pulled Hadley to stand beside him. She bent slightly and caught sight of Andrea reaching for her suitcase.

“Is she planning to get off now?”

“Looks like it.”

“But she isn’t supposed to get off at this station.” With her brow furrowed, Hadley muttered, “Did she notice us?”

“That doesn’t look like the case,” Eric said, shaking his head. If Andrea had recognized them, she wouldn’t have stayed so calm.

“She might have planned this all along. You went to Maze Street trying to find her—maybe she’s doing this to avoid you digging into her. She bought the ticket but won’t get off at that station, so no one will find her.”

That explanation made sense to Hadley, and she gave a small nod.

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