Clara reacted first. She rose at once and stepped forward, placing herself between Beatrice and the chamber.
"If you're here to cause trouble again," she said sharply, "then I suggest you turn back now. I will not allow it."
Ayden stood as well, his expression firm as he moved to stand beside his wife.
"She's right," he added. "You've done quite enough already."
Beatrice did not respond.
Her gaze remained lowered, her breathing uneven. The faint redness in her eyes had yet to fade, and when she inhaled, a soft sniff followed despite her effort to compose herself.
Garin's expression shifted. Concern surfaced almost immediately.
He took a step forward.
"What—"
"Stay where you are." Ayden's arm shot out, blocking him without hesitation.
"I won't let her near you," he said.
Garin frowned slightly.
Before he could respond, Rachel stepped forward.
"She is not here to cause trouble," she remarked, "My sister has something she wishes to speak about with Sir Skyler."
A pause.
