"Are you feeling carsick?" he asked after noticing she had barely spoken since they left.
Maya turned away from the passing scenery and offered him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine."
"You've been awfully quiet."
"I was just thinking."
"About leaving home?"
She nodded gently. "I've lived there my entire life."
Victor smiled understandingly. "That feeling will pass." He reached over and lightly covered her hand with his. "Nightshade will become home before you know it."
Maya looked down at their joined hands. "…I hope so."
Victor squeezed her fingers gently before withdrawing his hand. "I know so."
His confidence drew a small smile from her, although it never quite reached her eyes.
Outside, the scenery continued to change as the convoy descended from the mountains and entered a broad valley.
