I watched through the carriage window as the scene unfolded. Melisande and Corinne stood awkwardly at the entrance, their expressions reflecting uncertainty as our carriage pulled away. Mariella had already turned back inside, apparently washing her hands of the situation.
"Do you think they'll be alright?" I asked Alaric, unable to suppress my concern.
He glanced back at the retreating figures. "They appear to have been forgotten in the wake of your mother's dramatic exit."
Just then, Mariella reappeared at the doorway, looking flustered as she realized her daughters had been left behind. She gestured frantically for them to return inside.
"At least she remembered them eventually," I said, settling back against the plush seat. "I suppose that's more than she ever did for me."
Alaric's expression darkened. "Your mother seems to excel at abandonment."
