The black luxury car pulled out of the school gates, its smooth hum filling the quiet interior. The tinted windows blurred the world outside, reducing the sprawling cityscape to muted streaks of light and shadow. Damien leaned back against the seat, ice pack still pressed against his jaw, though the ache had already begun to fade.
Elysia sat beside him, composed as ever, her hands neatly folded in her lap. She hadn't spoken since they entered the car, but that was nothing unusual. She rarely did unless necessary.
The drive to Blackthorne Villa wasn't long, but the silence didn't last.
His phone buzzed.
Damien glanced down at the caller ID.
Father.
A slow smirk curled at the edges of his lips. Right on time.
He swiped to accept the call, bringing the phone to his ear.
"Damien."
His father's voice was deep, measured, carrying the weight of a man accustomed to control.
"Father."
A pause.
A long, quiet pause.
