Sophie was paralyzed with fear, her eyes fixed on her father, whose face reflected panic. Around them, the silence was oppressive, broken only by the racing beating of their hearts.

Frederick tried to remain calm as he spoke to his daughter. "Don't worry, my little wolf," she whispered in a trembling voice, but full of affection. They won't hurt us." He swallowed hard, aware of the dangerous situation they were in.

Two of the criminals crept up to the car, one on each side. The tension in the ai