"Lina?"
What kind of answer could she possibly give? Lina was still searching for the right words, her thoughts racing as she tried to come up with something… anything that would not raise suspicion.
"Papa, Papa… can I sleep with you tonight?"
The innocent question that slipped from Claude's lips stunned both Lina and Caelis into silence.
"Of course," Caelis answered without hesitation. "I would be delighted if you stayed with me tonight."
Lina almost refused immediately. She didn't want to be separated from her son, especially not at a time like this. But after a brief moment of hesitation, she swallowed her instinct and changed her mind.
If Claude stayed with Caelis tonight… she would finally have the freedom she needed to move and save her fellow mage.
"Mama… I hope you don't mind." Claude tugged gently at the hem of her clothes, looking up at her with pleading eyes. "I want to talk to Papa."
