Before Alexander could respond, Eliana spotted Samuel coming and quickly said, "Gotta go, bye," and hung up.

Samuel noticed she'd just ended a call and asked, "Who were you talking to?"

Eliana felt a pang of guilt, her eyes darting slightly. "It was Alexander calling." she replied calmly.

Samuel sat down beside her, his gaze steady. "What did he say?"

"He said Marcus's condition is getting worse and needs treatment back in Rothmark. Marcus asked if I could come ...