Kaelan's eyes stayed on Karl's neck for longer than needed, and though he picked up his tea calmly, his face looked a little stiff. His jaw moved as if he was holding something back, but he didn't say anything right away.
Karl, meanwhile, was already red in the face. He pulled his robe higher and waved his hand. "It's nothing… just a mosquito bite!" he blurted out quickly, his voice too nervous to sound real.
Kaelan looked at him, one eyebrow slightly raised. "Mosquito bite?" he repeated slowly, his tone flat.
Karl ducked his head, chewing on his lip, his ears hot with embarrassment. He lifted his cup and pretended to sip as if that would cover how flustered he was, but his cheeks only burned brighter.
The room went quiet. Kaelan leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed ahead instead of at Karl. His face seemed calm, but there was something heavy in the way he sat like his mood had changed.
