Asking for forgiveness!

Back to the Naiadae Empire, inside a room of the Frostblade mansion...

"Where in the world did you just go running off to? Do you even realize what will happen if your Slave Mark blinks? Are you an idiot or what?" Xara asked with an irritated frown and worries, her sharp eyes locking onto Aether, who had once again slipped out of the house without permission.

Aether let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his head before flashing a small, sheepish smile, "I was... uh... Hmm..." He hesitated, but before he could, Xara's lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Let me guess... A surprise?"

Aether's eyes widened in shock, his expression stiffening. "H-How did you know?"

Xara's smirk deepened, her voice taking on a teasing yet firm tone. "Because, Aether, a MOTHER always knows everything," she said, deliberately emphasizing the word "mother" as if to drive the point home.