Evaline:
The air in the living room turned heavy the moment River's words settled.
His words echoed in my head, even as the silence that followed thickened. The clock on the far wall ticked once, twice, before Kieran finally moved. His expression tightened, the muscles in his jaw flexing as if he was holding back the urge to shout.
"You have agreed?" he repeated slowly, disbelief lacing his tone. "Have you lost your mind, River? Do you even realize what you are saying?"
Oscar, still cradling Lioren, froze mid-motion.
And River, who had looked so steady just a moment ago, visibly tensed under his brother's sharp tone.
Kieran wasn't one to lose his composure easily. But when it came to his family's safety... or mine in this case... he tended to lose all sense of calm.
"Letting her involve herself in this investigation is reckless!" he continued, his words cutting through the room like glass. "What if something happens to her? What if-"
