Chapter 12

Atlas took the tablet from his assistant, his fingers tightening around the edges as the screen flickered to life.

Even through the digital display, my presence struck him like a tidal wave.

His pulse pounded as he scrolled through the images I had taken–breathtaking landscapes, golden sunrises, endless oceans stretching far beyond the horizon.

Every shot was a masterpiece. Not just in composition, not just in color, but in something deeper.

Each frame held freedom.

Atlas stared at a particular photo–one of a cliff’s edge, the world vast and infinite beyond it.

For a long moment, he didn’t speak.

He didn’t know if he was remembering the promise he once made–to take me around the world. Or if he was

realizing just how far I had already gone without him.

His throat tightened. “Book me the next flight to A–Country,” he ordered, his voice clipped, urgent. “And keep tracking her location. I want updates every hour.”

Atlas arrived at the hotel where I was. He stood outside the door, his hand raised, fingers curled into a hesitant fist.

He couldn’t knock. His entire body was rigid, every breath he took uneven.

knock. He sank onto the floor

night, through the long hours of

morning came, the sound of footsteps broke

member had come

from staying in the

housekeeper said casually, unlocking the door. “Left early

as though someone had dumped ice

himself to his feet, swaying slightly, his exhaustion finally catching up

provided led him to a public park.

the streets, his heart hammering, his breath ragged.

a second too late–if

22:34

Love,

72.9%

Chapter 12

see me again.

Then–his footsteps faltered.

dancing off the lens of my camera as I reached up to feed

pigeons.

as a bird flapped too close, my

Atlas forgot how to breathe. Happier than he had seen me in years.

with the birds, my hair catching in the breeze, my smile so bright it was almost

was the kind of smile I had never

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