"Leave," Avendial commanded, and upon hearing Aria's words, he gestured for the servants to exit the room. They nodded obediently before closing the door behind them.
Once they were alone, Avendial turned his attention back to Aria, who was watching him intently, eager for answers. In a swift motion, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her forward.
"W-wait!" Aria exclaimed, caught off guard by the sudden pull. She tumbled directly onto his lap, her surprise evident as he encircled her waist with his strong hands, before resting his head against her shoulder.
"Shh, now ask me what you want to know," Avendial murmured, his voice low and soothing. He intended to keep her mind occupied, preventing her from bombarding him with too many questions.
As his grip around her waist tightened, Aria trembled, her gaze darting toward the couch where Avendial lay unconscious.
