The car sped through the empty streets, the city a blur of shadows and faint lights outside the windows. Vaughn shifted beside her, his small hands clutching the hem of her jacket, his eyes wide and alert. Amara reached over and gently stroked his hair, her touch comforting in the dark, confined space.
Rowan’s gaze flickered to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of Amara and Vaughn in the back seat. His eyes softened momentarily before returning to the road. There was something in that brief look, something unspoken and almost painful. Amara saw it, too, and her chest tightened.
"Rowan," she said quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper, "thank you… for everything."
Rowan didn’t respond immediately, his focus remaining on the road. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, alm
