The facility doors slid shut behind them. Theon walked behind Vael now, who moved like a man carrying something invisible but impossibly heavy. His shoulders were drawn inward, his chin lowered, and each step seemed to require conscious effort, as though his legs had forgotten the rhythm of walking.
Theon jogged ahead to reach the car. He opened the passenger door. He stood there, one hand resting on the frame, waiting.
Vael approached slowly, his gaze fixed somewhere on the ground between his feet. When he reached the door, he paused, as if he'd forgotten what he was supposed to do next.
"Get in, Vael," Theon said softly,
He reached out, his hand hovering near Vael's elbow without quite touching, offering support without demanding it.
Vael blinked, seeming to register Theon's presence again, and allowed himself to be guided into the seat.
Theon closed the door, then walked around to the driver's side. The engine hummed to life.
