That voice alone carried a chilling threat.
Both Karl and Pier rose to their feet at once, as frowns settled deep between their brows.
But Adelyn's expression didn't change in the slightest.
She didn't even bother turning toward the source of the threat.
Instead, her gaze remained on the little one, her lips curving into the softest smile —one meant only for her.
Eira, too, paid no attention to anyone else.
The moment she heard her mother call her, she slipped down from her seat, ready to run to her.
However, just as she tried—
The man standing beside her stepped forward, blocking her path.
If it had been any other child, they would have shrunken back in fear.
But—
Eira simply lifted her gaze to meet his, her small brows knitting into a clear frown of displeasure.
The man stiffened under that look.
"K-kid, don't look at me like that," he stammered, trying to make his voice sound firm. "Your mother isn't allowed to leave yet. So sit there and wait for her to finish."
