Lucius and Layla stepped into the house as soon as the news of Lucius's mother passing broke out.
"Dad!" Lucius called, striding quickly toward him.
Alekis, seated on the couch with sorrow etched deep into his face, rose slowly. His expression crumbled the moment he saw his son. Lucius closed the distance, and father and son embraced tightly, grief binding them together.
Fiona moved gently to Layla's side, slipping an arm around her to steady her as they stepped forward.
"Lucius, your mother…" Alekis's voice broke. The words failed him, caught in his throat. His eyes shimmered with tears, the weight of loss making it impossible to continue.
When at last he pulled away, he steadied himself with effort. "You must fly to England immediately. I'll come with you."
