Lily clapped her hands together suddenly, breaking the fragile quiet around them.
"Well," she said, forcing a too-bright smile, "I've done my job. Emotional damage repaired. Tears wiped. Self-esteem restored. My work here is done."
Clara blinked. "Lily, you… you don't have to leave. You can stay for dinner, or just… stay for a while."
Lily waved her hand dismissively. "No, no. I should really get going."
But something was off.
Clara didn't miss it—the way Lily's fingers trembled slightly at her side. The way her eyes darted toward the hallway as if checking for something. The tiniest flicker of fear in her expression, quickly hidden under a playful grin.
Clara stepped closer, frowning.
"Lily… stay."
"No." Lily's answer came too quickly. Too sharp. Her voice rising an octave higher than usual. "I really have to go."
Clara flinched at the sudden force.
Even Nathaniel's eyes narrowed.
"Lily," he said, tone low with reprimand. "You don't raise your voice at her."
