Damian and Eilika reached the carriage where Maurice was waiting in the shadows, his hand already on the door handle. The five boys huddled together, trembling as they were ushered toward the vehicle.
"You will go back with the children," Damian said, turning to Eilika.
"Are you not coming along?" Eilika's brows furrowed in immediate concern. Her hands remained protectively on the shoulders of the two smallest boys, anchoring them to her side.
"Maurice will accompany you. I have business that remains unfinished," Damian stated. "We shall talk later."
Eilika hesitated, her heart sinking, but she knew better than to argue in the middle of a district. She helped the children climb into the cramped but safe interior of the carriage before pulling herself up.
