Draven, sensing the rising fury in his mother's eyes, knew he needed a scapegoat—and fast. His gaze darted around the room in panic… until it landed on Alex's belly.
Suppressing a grin, he thought, Bingo. Just found one.
His eyes locked onto Alex, and she suddenly shivered. Why do I feel cold all of a sudden? she wondered.
Draven plastered on an innocent, almost childlike expression.
"Mom," he said sweetly, "Big Sis Alex is the one who asked me to spar."
Alex's eyes widened in shock. "Huh?!"
Elliana slowly turned to Alex, her expression darkening. Alex felt a bead of sweat slide down her forehead under the weight of her aunt's glare.
A big sis taking the blame for her younger brother… Draven thought dramatically, a single theatrical tear rolling down his cheek. How noble.
"Draven, come with me," his mother said firmly. "There's someone I want you to meet."
Without another word, she turned and walked away, Draven trailing obediently beside her, hands in his pockets.
Alex sighed in relief—but it didn't last long.
Elliana suddenly glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes found Alex's and narrowed slightly.
"Since you like sparring so much," she said with a dangerous smile, "why don't we have a match after the party?"
Alex turned pale. Her knees wobbled. "Oh no…" she whispered.
Draven followed at his mother's side, smug satisfaction glowing on his face.
Having someone else take the blame feels amazing, he thought gleefully.
---
After a short walk, they arrived at a small garden where an Elven woman stood waiting. She had fair skin, long golden hair, and bright green eyes. She looked to be in her twenties, graceful and serene. Beside her stood a young girl, perhaps ten years old, with the same pale complexion and golden hair—but her eyes were a striking blue.
Elliana lit up with joy. "Olivia! It's been ages since we last met!"
"Elliana," Olivia replied warmly, returning the embrace. "It's so good to see you again."
Mom's name is Elliana? Draven blinked. Huh. I didn't even know that. Does that make me a bad son?
He shrugged mentally. Nah. Probably normal.
"You never came to visit," Elliana said with a mock pout. "I was beginning to think we weren't friends anymore."
Olivia gave a wry smile. Still the same as ever, she thought.
Elliana turned to the girl beside Olivia. "And who's this little one?"
"This is my daughter, Hannah," Olivia replied.
"You never told me you had a child!" Elliana exclaimed.
Olivia chuckled. "Yeah, well... surprise."
Her gaze shifted to Draven, who still had his hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes wandering curiously.
"And is this your son?" she asked.
Elliana smiled proudly. "Yes. His name is Draven."
She gestured between them. "Draven, this is my best friend, Olivia—and her daughter, Hannah.