Elijah's pov ;
Once inside the car, Ryder didn't ask any questions, for which I was grateful. He simply nodded and focused on the road without needing any explanation.
I looked down at Ash, who had finally drifted off to sleep in my arms. His face, though still marked by tears and distress, looked softer in sleep. His dark lashes rested delicately on his cheeks, and his parted lips allowed soft, uneven breaths to escape.
"Take us to your place," I said quietly to Ryder.
Ryder glanced in the rearview mirror and nodded without a word. The silence in the car was heavy, broken only by the hum of the engine and Ash's quiet breathing.
And I don't even remember when my fingers began to gently stroke his hair.
As we drove through the city, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The image of Ash, terrified and huddled in that closet, kept replaying in my mind. He looked traumatised beyond recognition.
