Edeline sat stiffly across from Keal, her gaze fixed on him like a blade. Her expression was unreadable—sharp, cold, hurt. And Keal… he still couldn't look at her.
His hands trembled slightly as he set the empty teacup down. "I'm… sorry," he murmured, barely louder than a breath.
At that moment, Edeline stood up with a sudden burst of emotion, eyes flaring with fury. She raised her hand, ready to slap him—
—But Eira leaped to her feet, grabbing Edeline's arm before the strike could land.
"Edeline!" she said firmly, holding her wrist. "You have to calm down."
Edeline turned her head slowly toward Eira, he voices shaking. "You know what he did, Eira. You know everything."
"I do," Eira said softly. "But anger won't fix it."
Edeline lowered her arm, her jaw clenched. She dropped back onto the sofa, staring blankly at the floor. Keal still hadn't raised his head. His fingers curled tightly into his knees.
