As the evening settled in, Delphinia and Ashton arrived back at Evander's parents' home. The warmth of the house greeted them, a stark contrast to the cold air outside. The moment they stepped inside, Ashton was immediately the center of attention. Elaine, along with Victor, sat in the living room, waiting with expectant expressions.
Delphinia didn't miss the way Elaine's hands were clasped a little too tightly in her lap, or how Victor's gaze flickered over Ashton as if searching for any sign of distress.
They looked calm—composed, even—but she knew better.
Deep inside, they were freaking out.
Worry sat in the tight line of Elaine's mouth, in the slight tension in Victor's shoulders. They had spent the entire day waiting, wondering, probably imagining the worst. And now, with Ashton standing before them, safe and sound, they were doing everything they could to keep their emotions in check.
Delphinia understood exactly where that fear came from.
She knew that feeling.
