Elara pulled out of Bernard's arms and sank back into her chair like she didn't want to leave him, fingers still lingering for a second before she let go.
Bernard stayed standing behind her, eyes locked on her face.
Emma turned her head slightly and gave him a small gesture with her hand.
He caught it, stepped forward, and sat across from them, his gaze not leaving Elara as if he was trying to read what she wasn't saying.
"Bernard," Emma said, voice steady. "I know this won't be easy for you. But you have to do it."
"Emma, no!" Elara grabbed her hand fast, stopping her mid-sentence.
Emma didn't look away from Bernard.
"No, Silver Heart." Her tone stayed firm.
"We're doing this. The sooner, the better."
Bernard's jaw tightened.
"You have to talk to him," Emma continued. "Tell him the truth. That you're in love with his sibling."
Elara shook her head slightly, still holding Emma's hand like she could stop the words from landing.
