Morgan pulls up directly in front of the main entrance. The engine cuts, and the silence is deafening. Amias watches. His breath is shallow as a cold knot forms in his stomach. The twins remain in the car. They seem to be awaiting someone.
Amias begs every deity he has ever scoffed at: Let it be anyone else. Let it be a friend. A delivery driver. A hot freshman who needs a ride. Anyone but Heidi.
Vark is suddenly loud and insistent in his skull. "Don't fret, Amias. You already did well. You acted. You protected her. You earned her gratitude. You deserve her more than those reckless pups.'
Yes, Amias thinks. I deserve her.
He leans forward, resting his forehead on the steering wheel, trying to calm the frenetic beating of his heart. She's safe. That's what matters. I made her safe.
He lifts his head, needing to look, needing to reassure himself with the sight of the empty entrance.
