Akai's gaze softened as she nodded toward the sleeping child. "Who is she?" she asked John.
The little girl, who had been sleeping, stirred awake, her eyes locking onto Akai's. "Hello, sister." she said in a sleepy voice.
Akai smiled warmly. "Hi."
The little girl's gaze remained fixed on Akai.
"You are?"
"I'm Emerson." she replied, her voice still laced with sleep. "My father is Liam Flynn."
Akai's expression froze, as if struck by thunder.
John's gaze snapped wide, matching Akai's shocked expression. "What does she mean?" he asked softly.
"Akai, she is," John said, his voice straightforward.
Emerson turned to John, her eyes flashing a silent warning. "Uncle John, where's my father?"
"He's gone to greet a colleague." John replied, his tone light.
Akai's gaze never left John's face. "Is she... Liam's daughter?" she asked, her voice trembling with unspoken implications.
