"There, there, Little One." Orion hugged her. "I said if something happens to us. I'm still alive and have no intention of giving up without a fight."
"Always a daddy's girl." Jirni sighed, triggering a sudden tackle.
"Don't die, Mom. Please!" Quylla sobbed.
"I- You-" There were few things on Mogar Jirni Ernas couldn't handle, and the desperate cries of her daughter were one of them. "There, there?"
She gently patted Quylla's shoulder, cursing herself when the bawling only grew louder.
"Friya, this is all your fault! You're upsetting your sister!" Pushed with her back against the wall, Jirni tried with misdirection.
"How is this my fault?" Friya replied. "I didn't say anything. It's-"
She wanted nothing more than escape the crossfire, but she knew that blaming Orion would only pour oil on the fire.
"I mean, I'm sorry, Quylla."
"You're sorry about what?" Quylla sniffled.
"Anything you want. Just stop crying!"
