Eryx's expression turned sharp, his eyes narrowing as his voice cut through the air. "What do you mean by that? Do they hurt you in the palace?"
The sudden change in his tone startled Thalina. She flinched, gripping the basket tightly as she took a step back. "I… I didn't mean—"
"Answer me." His voice was cold, commanding, but his posture had shifted slightly, his tail coiling behind him in a way that betrayed a protective edge.
Thalina bit her lip, looking down at the ground. "It's nothing," she muttered. "Just… they don't like me much, okay? But it's not a big deal."
Eryx's expression darkened the moment Thalina answered his question. Without hesitation, he said coldly, "I'm not letting you go. If they've hurt you, I'm going to the palace myself to find out."
Thalina froze, her eyes widening in panic. Then, out of nowhere, her bottom lip trembled, and tears began welling up.
