"Aqua... my dear, can I come in?" Marisandra called out, her voice firm but gentle as she stood before the tightly shut door of her daughter's room.
"..."
There was no response.
Marisandra sighed, glancing at Aether, who stood beside her with a deep frown.
"As you can see..." Marisandra began, her tone was heavy with frustration. "She's shut herself in and refuses to speak to anyone. If I try to use force, she just runs away. I've tried everything—talking, pleading—but she stares at me like I'm some kind of ghost. I don't know what to do anymore." Her voice faltered slightly.
Ever since Aqualina had returned, this was how she had been behaving.
Marisandra's mind was a whirlwind of uncertainty. She had initially suspected Aether might have done something to trigger this behaviour, but after seeing that video, she reconsidered, 'Maybe she's worried I won't let her marry him... Could all of this be part of some plan?' The thought gnawed at her.
