Kael paused, his body stiffening at her expression. He knew that look—calm on the outside, brewing storm within. He turned slowly, trying to muster a calm smile. "I don't have any hand in it, Mother."
"Oh please," Jess muttered with an edge in her voice, stepping beside Emilia. "I can tell from your guilty face that you definitely had a hand in it."
Kael's jaw tightened as he shot a glare at her. 'What's wrong with this woman? Always fanning flames like it's her life's mission. One day, Jess… just wait. I'll straighten you out myself.'
Before Emilia could say more, Lyria approached silently, holding little Elfie in her arms. The child's bright eyes flicked up as she wriggled free and tugged at Kael's sleeve. "Papa, I want to go too! I want to go!"
Emilia shifted her focus to the girl, then looked back at Kael, her expression demanding an explanation. "And what is this all about, exactly?"
