A Night Of No Return

The drive back was quiet, but in the kind of way that spoke volumes. Chase sat in the passenger seat, his eyes occasionally drifting to Arrow's profile—sharp features illuminated by the city lights as they passed. In the backseat, Emerald slept peacefully, the only sound in the car being her quiet breathing and the occasional rustle of her blanket.

Arrow's grip on the steering wheel was firm, but there was a softness in his gaze when he glanced at Chase at a red light. Neither of them spoke, but Chase could feel the weight of something between them—something growing stronger, heavier, impossible to ignore.

When they arrived back at the mansion, Arrow parked the car, and Chase immediately unbuckled himself to get Emerald. But before he could reach for her, Arrow had already picked her up, cradling her with a surprising gentleness.

"You're getting good at that," Chase murmured, watching him closely.

Arrow scoffed. "Don't get used to it."