"Alright." Derek patted my head, his voice soothing. "I'll handle it. Don't worry. You can't get worked up right now."

"Sophia!"

Aurora's sudden shout made my heart leap out of my chest.

Derek, who always maintained his usual calm, always composed, froze for the first time when he looked in the direction Aurora was pointing.

Then he panicked.

I'd never seen such a helplessness on his face before.

Before I could process it, Derek scooped me up in his arms. ...