The sky slowly began to give way to pale streaks of amber as Theon drove the car along the tree-lined avenue. The soft hum of the engine filled the interior, a soothing contrast to the conversation they had just left behind at the café. Azaria leaned her head back against the headrest, letting out a contented sigh. Beside her, Theon kept one hand loosely on the steering wheel while his other reached across the console to take her fingers, lacing them with his own.
In the back seat, Valeria moved slightly, leaning her elbows against her knees as she looked at the back of their seats. "Theon, Azaria," she began, her voice gentle and reflective. "I really want to thank you both again. Offering me a place at the penthouse... it means more to me than I can say."
"You're family, Val," Theon said, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "You don't ever have to thank us for that."
