Maya's POV
The car moved through the darkness toward the estate, wheels humming against asphalt. Outside my window, moonlight cast an eerie glow over the vineyard rows, making them look like sleeping ghosts. Our driver kept his attention focused ahead, probably sensing the thick tension filling the back seat.
Sebastian slumped against the leather upholstery, his eyes shut tight. Every muscle in his face looked drawn with fatigue, both physical and emotional. When he spoke, his voice came out rough and barely audible.
"You didn't need to go through with that."
I stayed focused on the landscape rushing past us, as if those shadowy vines could somehow ease the ache in my chest.
"I wasn't doing you any favors," I said, letting the bitterness seep through. "This was for Arthur."
"Still," he said, and I caught him looking at me from the corner of my eye. "Thank you."
