After standing up to part ways, Ethan and Mark locked eyes with each other, a silent understanding in their eyes.
"I'm going to be staying here tonight, like usual," the large man said, nodding toward the house beneath them. "So make sure you lock up properly when you get back."
Ethan gave a small nod.
Then Mark's gaze shifted to Elara, softening slightly.
"You can stay here with us if you'd like," he offered. "Plenty of space. And… well, it'd probably be more comfortable than wherever he's dragging you."
Elara blinked, then glanced at Ethan.
Mark hadn't even bothered asking the blue-eyed man, knowing he preferred his own space. There was no changing his mind once it was set, but it seemed as though the red-eyed woman was considering it.
The warmth inside the house, the laughter, the sense of belonging - it had clearly left an impression on her.
But then she shook her head, stepping a little closer to Ethan instead.
