Kaius Blair turned to Ethan, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. "It's late. Take Eliot home."
Ethan, ever the calm center of any Blair-family storm, didn't blink. He shifted his gaze to Eliot, his tone adopting the easygoing cadence he used to defuse tension. "Alright, champ. Let's hit the road. Past someone's bedtime."
Eliot ignored him completely.
He looked up at Kaius , a flash of that unfamiliar rebellion in eyes that were mirrors of his own, then yanked his small hand from Kaius's loose grip.
He launched himself back at Austin, wrapping his arms around her waist with a desperation that felt, to Kaius, like a physical slight.
"You have to come see me," Eliot whispered, his voice muffled by the violet silk of her gown. "At the Blair house. Promise, Mom."
Mom.
