"Elio, what are you doing here?" Lena turned upon sensing his presence. "Is everything alright? You look..."
"I need you to keep something for Lucien," he interrupted, transferring the cores from his book.
There was no time for lengthy explanations.
Lena studied him with that look that always seemed to see beyond his words, but took the cores without asking further questions.
Fortunately, the daily challenge cores could be extracted in their condensed forms.
His siblings, alerted by his voice, ran to greet him.
Little Rian clung to his legs while the others surrounded him with their characteristic energy. For a moment, Elio allowed himself to embrace them, memorizing each face.
"I have to go," he announced, gently separating himself from Rian's grip.
"So soon?" one of his sisters asked, disappointment palpable.
Elio nodded, consciously avoiding his mother's inquisitive gaze. The decision was made; doubts had no place.
