The weight in the room shifted.
Aeliana could feel it—the way her father's presence, cold and steady as ever, sharpened with unspoken intent. He had let the argument pass, let her words sink in without retaliation, but now?
Now, he wanted answers.
"You will tell me what happened," Thaddeus said at last, his voice calm, unwavering. "From the beginning."
Aeliana exhaled slowly, crossing her arms tighter, bracing herself.
"Be specific," he continued. "What happened when you left for the expedition? What happened when the Kraken appeared? What happened when you were swallowed by the Vortex?"
His golden eyes did not waver.
"And what happened with that man—Luca?"
Aeliana's fingers twitched at her sides.
She had expected this. Knew that eventually, she would have to explain exactly what had occurred beneath the sea.
