~ Author ~

The ride back to the mansion was quiet. Ronan drove with a measured intensity, his hands gripping the wheel as though he was holding the fear of the morning in place. Uriel sat beside him, fingers drumming lightly against the armrest, eyes flicking occasionally to Adeline's reflection in the rearview mirror. Cassian wheeled slowly behind them, silent, his face unreadable, but his sharp gaze never left her.

Adeline sat back in the seat, willing her heartbeat to slow. Her hands ...