Eiravyne's heart skipped a beat as Ilkar's words hung in the air.
She instinctively tightened her grip on Theodore's hand, drawing comfort from his presence.
Ilkar's eyes were intense, filled with anger and frustration. "Theodore, you can't just run off like that," he said sharply. "It's not safe."
Theodore looked down, his face scrunched up in defiance. "I know, Ilkar. I just wanted to play with Eiravyne."
Ilkar's jaw tightened. "I told you before, you cannot do that, Theodore."
Theodore's eyes flashed with anger as he pulled his hand away from Eiravyne's. "You're always so mean! I hate you!"
Ilkar's face hardened, his attention shifting back to Eiravyne. "And you," he said, his voice cold, " Why are you hiding out here ?"
Eiravyne felt a lump in her throat, her mind racing. She didn't know what to say, her fear and guilt colliding within her.
She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.
