Zephyr silently gripped his palms, unable to take his eyes off Lyra nestled comfortably in Gladius's arms. A complex mix of emotions played across his features – awe, disbelief, and something darker lurking beneath the surface.
His jaw clenched, a muscle twitching as he struggled to maintain his composure.
Arianna, on the other hand, maintained a radiant smile as she observed the scene, choosing not to approach just yet. Her eyes sparkled with a knowing gleam, as if she had expected nothing less from Gladius. There was a quiet pride in her expression, mixed with a hint of amusement at the reactions of the others.
At this moment, Gladius gently set Lyra onto her feet. He smiled at her bewildered expression and opened his mouth to speak.
But before he could utter a word, Lyra suddenly threw her arms around his neck, overcome by a surge of emotion.
