Amara Cross POV
We set off again, and after a short while, the car slowed and stopped quietly by the side of the road near the park. When he pulled the handbrake, a strange silence fell for a few seconds, as if the whole city had paused to watch us.
"You can get out now."
Mr. Dorian spoke calmly. The two kids opened the back door with excited cheers, jumped out, and started running around like they had just been set free.
I watched them through the side window. They were laughing, bumping into each other, running like nothing in the world could touch them.
I let out a quiet breath and reached for the door, but his voice stopped me.
"Amara."
I turned to him. He was still in his seat, one hand resting on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on my face.
"Do not apologize again."
He sai
