Chapter 146

Silverhollow Residences. By the time the sky turned dark, Elaria was dropping Ryan off at home. The tall banyan trees blocked out most of the lights spilling from the house. Through the thick clusters of leaves, the deep blue sky peeked through in bits and pieces, like ink splattered on canvas. Elaria stepped out of the car and gently lifted Ryan from the backseat, clearly reluctant. The little guy was a bit sweaty, but still smelled like baby powder-sweet and comforting. She couldn't stop kissing him. Leaving him was never easy, but staying the night wasn't an option anymore. Ryan clung to her tightly. His chubby cheeks glowed soft and pale in the twilight, impossibly cute. On the steps stood a tall figure-Sebastian. Elaria looked up and met his gaze. He'd been there for a while, by the look of it, like he had something to say. She gently patted Ryan's head and said softly, "Sweetie, head inside. Mommy and Daddy need to talk." Ryan's face went pink. She just called him "Sweetie." That