As the soft clink of porcelain cup echoed gently in the guest room, a quiet settled between the three.
Lina sat beside Elina, absently stroking Vex's soft fur.
Her lips were curved in a small smile, but beneath it, her chest fluttered with nerves.
Saying her real name out loud—Liliana Raelis—after hiding it for so long… it felt like opening an old book she had sealed away with wax.
She didn't regret saying it. Not in front of them. Still, the vulnerability clung to her like a shadow.
Kai watched her in silence, his gaze unreadable for a few seconds.
Then, finally, he set down his empty cup on the tray.
"So… daughter of House Raelis," he said calmly.
"That explains why the guards, and those guys stunned seeing your crest."
Liliana looked at him sideways. "You're not angry I hid it?"
"I don't care much for titles," Kai replied. "But I do care if I'm caught up in something that could get us all killed. So yes—I have questions."
