A TWISTS OF FATE

With increasing volume, the roaring engine sliced like a dagger into the tension. As the new automobile slid into the clearing, its tires throwing up dirt and dust, my pulse raced. The SUVs around us focused on the interloper, clearly bewildered as they hurried to evaluate the new danger.

The audacity of their appearance gave me a glimmer of optimism, even if I couldn't see the driver properly through the tinted windows. Whoever this was, they were either very courageous or just as careless.

"What on earth is that?" From the front seat, Lydia mumbled, her eyes narrowing in an attempt to see the person.

"I'm not sure," I said, firmly holding Ethan's arm.

Ethan's jaw tightened as his eyes remained fixed on the car. "Hopefully, they're on our side."