Mara's Pov

The drive home was quiet.

Not uncomfortable quiet, but the kind that came after too many emotions had been pulled to the surface in one day. The city lights blurred past the car windows in long streaks of gold and white, while the memory of Margaret’s broken cries refused to leave my mind.

I had seen her angry. Bitter. Cruel. Dangerous.

But never shattered.

I glanced at Elias beside me. His hands rested steadily on the steering wheel, jaw set, eyes forward. Yet every now and then, I caught him looking at me briefly, as though making sure I was still alright.

I offered him a small smile....