Sienna reached her car and opened the door before lowering herself inside, she looked back at him; her expression did not soften enough for anyone else to notice.
Phei noticed.
Gratitude lived inside the glance.
Quiet. Private. Almost shy beneath all that ancient death and sovereign pride.
"Thank you for today."
She would never say it that way. Sienna preferred affection translated into stolen divine relics, altered skies and threats against entire bloodlines; ordinary gratitude probably made her feel underdressed.
Phei smiled at her.
Just warmth.
Something in Sienna's violet eyes eased enough to make her lips curved by the smallest fraction before she entered the car Dravenna had arleady entered and closed the door, sealing the expression inside before dignity could press charges.
Around them, the rest of the convoy settled into place.
