The Birdmen

After Arix left, Scion turned his gaze to the entrance of the hall. "Come in."

From the entrance, Krylak emerged, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "I didn't want to interrupt when I saw you were with the little one," he said.

Scion looked at Krylak calmly. "I wasn't lying."

"You didn't lie, but you misled her. If Arix finds out the truth later, she'll be really upset," Krylak said, sympathy in his voice.

Scion remained silent, but Krylak, who knew him well, could see the hidden sadness in him.

Krylak sighed, as if comforting both Scion and himself. "Maybe it's better this way. If she finds out later, she'll be sad later."

"Yes," Scion responded softly.

The next day, Sunak swung by to pick up Arix and Drexel for the blessing ceremony. When he got there, he found the siblings looking utterly wiped out, like they hadn't slept a wink.