Edith's eyes lit up in a smile as she finished, "That's reasonable, don't you think?"
Noel exhaled slowly, acutely aware that under Edith's piercing gaze, even standing seemed to require more strength than before, her presence pressing down on him like a physical weight. Looking directly into her eyes became increasingly difficult, especially with their significant height difference.
But he forced himself to raise his head and meet her gaze as he said, "If those are the terms, then I accept."
His words were followed by the entrance of his father, mother, Lilith, and many others. Edith simply observed everything with neutral detachment, choosing not to speak again.
Elaine rushed dramatically to his side, concern blazing clearly in her eyes, followed immediately by caution at Edith's imposing presence.
