The journey back to the Southern territory had been swift, the hum of the engine filling the heavy silence between them. Outside, the world rushed by in a blur, but inside the car, the tension was palpable, hanging in the air like an unspoken storm. Every stolen glance Arda dared to take at Gillow revealed nothing; his expression was a mask of stoic control, his crimson eyes focused on the road ahead.
When they arrived, the grand estate loomed against the twilight sky, its towering walls offering both safety and a reminder of the power Gillow wielded. He exited the vehicle and moved to her side without a word, pulling open her door. Before Arda could protest or even gather her strength, he scooped her up effortlessly. His grip was firm, protective even, but careful as though she were frag
