Alen pushed his chair back, the sound of wood scraping against the floor punctuating the heavy silence of the room. He looked at his sister, his gaze sharp and carrying something. "Evelyn, finish your meal and come to my study immediately".
Evelyn didn't argue. She drained the last of her porridge, wiped her mouth with a trembling hand, and rushed over to the Children and pressed a lingering kiss to their little forehead. "Be good and eat. Mommy has to talk to Uncle". Lucas nodded and continued with his food, being well-behaved as always. While Clara just looked up with her signature indifference, a small nod being her only reply.
In the privacy of the study, the atmosphere shifted. Alen didn't waste time with platitudes. He opened a heavy oak drawer, pulled out a sleek, cold firearm, and slid it across the desk toward her. "Take this for self-defense," he said, his voice a low mumble. "And listen to me, if there is anything you cannot solve yourself, you tell me. Immediately".
