Cherished: the heart of us

The worn leather of the backseat reeked of sweat, smoke, and something rotten that made my stomach churn.

Beside me, Zoya sat stiff as stone, shaking but not crying. Her eyes darted around, calculating, searching for a way out. Mia, conversely, was curled into herself, quiet sobs muffled behind trembling fingers, trying to disappear.

And then there was Aria. She didn't shake. Didn't cry. Just stared straight ahead, hollow-eyed, like she'd already left her body behind.

In the front, Ivan's phone buzzed. "Da, Pakhan." His voice was sharp, clipped.

Oleg exhaled a slow stream of smoke, chuckling. "We'll be there in an hour," Ivan continued. "The girls are quiet. No problems."

His eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, locking onto mine. I looked away first.

"Think they'll last long?" Oleg grinned, tapping his cigarette against the dashboard.

Ivan smirked. "Not our concern."

Mia made a strangled sound, pressing her hands harder against her mouth. I stared down at my lap, fingers curled into fists, nails biting into my palm, grounding me, keeping me tethered. But I didn't feel here. I felt like I was floating above my body, watching from a distance, watching this happen to someone else.