Elara's POV
The moment my eyes met my mother's, the feeling of fear washed over me. She did not have to say a word, her stoic expression alone was enough to send shivers down my spine.
I was brainstorming for a believable lie when her voice suddenly rang out loud, jolting me out of my thoughts and back to reality.
"How was the run?"
My mouth opened slightly, shocked by her sudden question. The run? What run?
Before I could even react or process anything at all, Maya rushed towards me and pulled me into a hug so tight that she nearly knocked me off my feet. While holding me, she whispered quickly into my ears.
"Play along. Please, for our own sake."
Oh-
I chuckled nervously and hugged her back. "Ah, it was good. I just needed to blow off some steam." I struggled to sound casua
