As Kael entered the house with Tessa, Flora immediately ran up to him with excitement. She was holding her flower doll in her arms, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at her papa.
"Papa! You're back!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to give him a big hug. "Is everything okay? I was waiting for you!"
Kael chuckled softly, kneeling down to her level and gently patting her head. "I'm fine, Flora. Just had a bit of a tough day. But don't worry, I haven't forgotten our promise." He smiled, ruffling her hair. "We'll get that ice cream soon."
Flora beamed up at him, her earlier worries vanishing in an instant. "Yay! Ice cream!" she cheered, jumping up and down.
But then, noticing Tessa standing awkwardly behind Kael, Flora tilted her head, her innocent curiosity taking over. "Papa, who's the girl?" she asked, looking at Tessa with wide, curious eyes.
Tessa, still a bit weary from the battle, blinked at Flora, trying her best to put on a smile. "I'm... Tessa," she said, offering a soft wave.
Flora blinked, then turned back to Kael. "Is she your friend, Papa?" Her voice was innocent, but her eyes were full of interest, like she had just met a new person she wanted to know better.
Kael chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced between Flora and Tessa. "She's... uh, she's someone I'm helping right now. She got hurt, so we're going to make sure she's okay. But don't worry, she's just a guest for now."
Flora tilted her head, still intrigued. "She looks nice. Can she play with me? I'm lonely sometimes."
Tessa, caught a bit off guard by Flora's sincerity, smiled gently. "I'd love to, little one. Maybe after I feel better, we can play together."
Flora's face lit up at the idea. "Yay! We can play flower dolls!" She then ran off toward her room, excited by the possibility of having a new friend.
Kael smiled softly, watching her go. "You've made a new friend already," he said, his voice light, though his thoughts lingered on the mission's aftermath.
Tessa laughed quietly, relieved by Flora's cheerful nature. "She's really sweet."
End of Chapter 5