Ambush

The ride back from the lake was quiet. The city lights flickered in the distance, a contrast to the peaceful glow of the moon reflecting against the windshield. Raelynn sat in the passenger seat, her hands resting on her lap, fingers idly playing with the hem of her coat.

She wasn't sure what to say—if she should say anything at all. The air between them was different, warmer, yet fragile. Elion had been unexpectedly kind tonight, bringing her to the lake, telling her in his own way that he wanted her to have good dreams. It left an unfamiliar warmth in her chest, something she wasn't ready to acknowledge.

Elion, on the other hand, kept his eyes on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel loosely. His usual mask of calm in place, but Raelynn had spent enough time with him to notice the subtle things. The slight furrow of his brows. The way his fingers tapped against the wheel, as if lost in thought.