Like flies around honey

Nora stared at Jolthar for what felt like an eternity. The silence stretched between them, the only sounds breaking it were the soft munching of Mira and Nytheria.

Mira, sensing the growing tension, paused mid-bite, her curious eyes flicking between the two adults. Her big round eyes darted between Jolthar and Nora. Even she can sense that Nora didn't like Jolthar.

Nytheria, whose very presence spoke of older magics and forgotten tales, bore the grace of her lioness nature even in her woman's form. She ignored their talk and was completely lost in the delicacy of the cakes. Her eyes glittered every time she put the soft cake piece in her mouth, savouring every bite.

The tension in the chamber had grown thick as morning mist in the valleys of old, and even one so young could sense the storm brewing in the air.

Nora, who had seen sixteen summers pass and carried herself with the bearing of one who had shouldered burdens beyond her years, fixed Jolthar with a gaze.