"It's... It's nothing!" Edgar stammered under James' gaze, beads of cold sweat forming on his brow. "I'll go see if there are any more baked fish balls in the kitchen and bring you some."
"Yes!" Alia cheered, raising a hand. "One more skewer and then we'll start our combat training!"
Lall glanced at the fleeing Edgar. Only Alia remained oblivious, humming to herself in the pavilion. He snorted inwardly. He knew those bottom-feeders from the streets all too well; they survived on their wits and schemes. Edgar had secrets, and Alia was definitely not as naive and clueless as she appeared.
He couldn't understand why Cywen would keep such time bombs around.
The villa was eerily quiet the next day.
Lilith came downstairs and habitually called out, "Alia?"
There was no response.
A second
