The car glided smoothly through the quiet streets, headlights slicing through the soft glow of the city at night.
Aniela sat in the passenger seat, hands folded neatly on her lap, her eyes drifting toward the streetlights that blurred past.
“So…” Orifiel began, breaking the silence, “what’s up with you?”
Aniela shrugged slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her gaze remained on the window.
“Nothing much,” she said softly, almost rehearsed, almost too casual.
Orifiel glanced at her from the corner of his eye, his eyebrows slightly raised. Nothing much? That’s never the whole story with her, he thought.
“What is it, Kaf or you, Aniela?” he asked gently, trying to prod her without pushing too hard.
Aniela’s lips curved into a small, secretive smile, barely noticeable.
“H
