Elsewhere, Ashen stands right in front of a car that's just about to exit the airport parking lot.
Without hesitation, he steps directly into its path, forcing the vehicle to a screeching halt.
The tires squeal loudly, the rubber biting hard into the concrete as the driver slams the brakes.
Ashen doesn't flinch, he runs straight for the driver's door.
He tugs at the handle. Locked.
Without missing a beat, he knocks loud, fast, and persistent, until the person inside, clearly annoyed, rolls down the window just enough to speak.
"What?! Are you out of your mind?!" the man inside demands, eyes narrowed, tone sharp.
"I need help," Ashen blurts out, his voice urgent, firm, and desperate all at once. "I was kidnapped. Some people are coming after me."
The man blinks, his hand lingering near the window controls as he studies Ashen's expression. There's a pause. A long, heavy moment of hesitation. Then, slowly, reluctantly, he unlocks the door.
