Arianna knew something was wrong the moment she felt Marcel stiffen while his demeanor changed instantly and didn't even need to ask what was going on. There was only one person who could elicit such a reaction from him and that was his father.
Marcel was not afraid of the old men, however, that reaction was a reflex action he developed as a kid towards his father - when he had been unable to protect himself and his mother. But not anymore, he was a man now and capable of protecting those he loved, there was no need to fear him, and just had to outgrow those feelings.
"What is it?" He answered the call, his tone was flat yet on edge. Nothing good could ever come out of his father calling him. So he leaned back against the headboard and tried not to think too much, appearing brave in Arianna's eyes. She can't see any fear in his eyes, Marcel didn't want to put that burden on her.
