Thira sat in her executive chair, exhaling softly as she pulled out her phone and dialed Kai’s number. The line rang twice before his familiar, bright voice answered.

“Hello, Mummy!”

She glanced around the office, her eyes scanning behind her, heart thudding softly. “Sweetie, where did you all go? Uncle and I were worried sick. Did you lose your way?”

“No, Mum, we didn’t go far. Don’t fuss—we’ll be with you in no time,” Kai said in his usual cheerful tone, and Thira ...