Adrian's car slid into the underground parking space with the quiet precision that seemed to define him—controlled, deliberate, efficient. The ride had been mostly silent, save for the low hum of the engine and the occasional sound of Ashton's small, unsteady breathing in the back seat. The boy had kept his gaze fixed on the window the entire time, watching the city blur by like watercolor, his reflection ghosting faintly against the glass.
When they arrived, Adrian got out first and rounded to open Ashton's door himself. His movements were calm, but his eyes were distant, shadowed by something brittle and sharp.
"Come on, Ashton…"
He said softly, voice rough from the effort of keeping it level.
"We're here."
