Beside them, Norella looked uncomfortable, shifting on her feet. “I’m sorry for disturbing you both. I’ll leave now.”
But before she could turn, both Astrella and Raiden spoke in unison, “You can’t leave!”
Raiden seemed even more surprised as he studied Astrella, his gaze probing and skeptical.
“You don’t have power at home. I can’t feel at ease,” he said, stepping past Astrella and taking Norella’s hand in his.
“Go keep the child company. I’ll sleep on the couch,” he added gently, his tone warm.
The ease between them was undeniable, striking in its familiarity.
Norella glanced up at Raiden, her fingers fiddling with the jacket draped over her shoulders. She pulled it slightly aside to reveal a sliver of pale skin.
“But… I’m just an outsider. I should be the one sleeping on the couch…”
Outsider? Wearing her husband’s jacket and telling stories to their child, how could she call herself an outsider? Norella’s words were a thinly veiled attempt to provoke.