Evaline:
Kieran stopped the car in front of a restaurant tucked neatly along the corner of the busy street. The warm glow from its windows spilled into the afternoon light, a sharp contrast to the heaviness that still hung in my chest after the hospital visit.
He shifted the gear into neutral and turned slightly in his seat to look at us - me and Rowan, who were sitting side by side in the backseat.
"Go inside," Kieran said, his voice even, steady. "I'll park the car and join you."
I reached for the handle, but before I could push the door open, his voice came again, firmer this time.
"Evaline."
I froze and turned back. His eyes, sharp as ever, were fixed on me. "I need a word with you."
My breath hitched. For a moment, I thought of pretending I hadn't heard him, but Rowan's gaze was already flickering between the two of us, confusion shadowing his features. His eyes narrowed slightly, as though he wanted to ask, but held back out of respect.
