chapter 24

Jace POV

I gradually regained consciousness, my head throbbing with pain. The airbag had deployed, and the acrid scent of smoke filled the car. My vision was blurry, but I could make out Bella beside me, still strapped in, unconscious.

Panic set in as I fumbled with the seatbelt, desperately trying to release Bella. "Bella, wake up!" I shouted, my voice hoarse. I shook her gently, fearing the worst.

She groggily opened her eyes, confusion clouding her face. "Jace? What happened?" she mumbled.

"The brakes failed. We crashed into a tree. Are you hurt?" I asked, my concern evident.

Bella winced, touching her forehead where a small cut trickled blood. "I think I'm okay. What about you?"

Ignoring my own pain, I focused on assessing the situation. The car was wrecked, smoke billowing from the engine. We needed to get out before it caught fire.

"We need to move, Bella. The car might explode," I urged, urgency in my voice.

With shaky movements, we crawled out of the wreckage, stumbling onto t