[Lilia]

Her brows lifted high, her gaze sharp, while her foot tapped on the floor, awaiting an explanation. I wanted to laugh, but I suspected she wouldn't hesitate to bludgeon me if I did. Instead, I teased her, stifling my laughter. “I am sorry, Mother.”

She breathed out loudly, biting her lip and staring at me with annoyance before rolling her eyes. Aya sat beside me and captured my wrists, examining the pinkish trails of nail marks.

“Lilia,” she sighed, her expression softening. ...