Rassel stood a few steps ahead, dressed casually and looking composed. The moment Kayden saw her, he instantly straightened and pulled his hand away from Thaddeus as if the contact had burned him.
Thaddeus noticed the quick movement and chuckled under his breath.
Rassel, as promised to her brother, kept her face neutral. She offered a warm, casual smile, pretending not to notice anything unusual.
"Well, well. Look who's finally up," she said brightly, stepping closer. "Kayden, how are you?"
"I… I'm fine," he stammered, eyes flicking between her and Thaddeus. His cheeks were slightly red, and he kept fidgeting with the hem of the shirt.
"Wow, you've grown," Rassel said teasingly. "You were so small the last time I saw you. Now look at you. A proper young man."
Kayden managed a small, awkward smile. "Yeah… I guess."
