Nathan was still talking. Something about stealing pie. Something about getting caught by Sophia and forced to write a three-page apology letter.
Merlin only caught pieces of it.
'He never shuts up when he's nervous and right now, he seems terrified.'
Elara said nothing. She walked beside them quietly, hands tucked into her sleeves. Her expression was harder to read than usual. Merlin caught her watching him from the corner of her eye more than once.
'They are worrying for no reason.'
He barely believed the thought himself.
Then a new voice cut in.
"Found you."
Seraphina stood at the base of the garden steps, arms folded neatly across her chest.
Hair pinned back, uniform immaculate, silver eyes sharp enough to cut glass.
Merlin slowed. Nathan immediately fell silent.
Even Elara straightened slightly.
Seraphina's gaze locked onto Merlin.
"You are coming with me."
It was not a question.
Not a suggestion.
Nathan opened his mouth, then closed it.
