Warm Embrace

The ride back home was silent. Delphinia stared out the window, her fingers absently rubbing at her temple, as though trying to physically soothe the storm raging inside her. Evander sat beside her, his presence steady and reassuring, but he didn't speak. He didn't ask questions. And for that, she was grateful.

She knew Elaine had likely called him in a panic, fearing where she had gone and what she had done. And judging by the way Evander had been waiting outside the Harrington estate, she could guess that he had anticipated this outcome. He knew her too well.

When they finally arrived home, the car had barely come to a full stop before Delphinia spotted Elaine pacing in the front yard, her arms crossed, a worried expression marring her usually calm face. She was walking back and forth, glancing toward the driveway every few seconds, looking utterly restless.