"No grudges, Xav," Ziro declared, standing steadfast beside Frida while Haliya sought solace behind him. "I did what I had to do."
Xavier's head shook, a storm of emotions brewing within, unwilling to trust anything Ziro uttered again. "You tricked me. You come to me, only to betray me by befriending me and plotting the demise of my parents."
Ziro chuckled, seemingly unfazed by Xavier's accusations. "You think so little of me."
Haliya gently tugged at Xavier's shirt hem, her eyes betraying the weight she carried. Uncharacteristically subdued, she struggled to articulate the words she longed to share. Xavier peered into her tired gaze, waiting for her to voice the truths held captive in her heart. In the momentary silence, his glare intensified, aimed squarely at Ziro.
"Fear not, I have
