"Who would need wooden toys?"
The words echoed in Addison's mind like a broken record, a faint buzzing filling her ears. Panic surged, her thoughts overheating, yet her face remained carefully blank.
On the other end of the communication crystal, the Alpha King and Queen had also heard the familiar voice and fallen silent. Even Archmage Elric pressed his lips together; he hadn't heard any footsteps approaching the tent.
As for Addison, the excitement of talking about her children had made her relax her guard. She had let herself grow too at ease and failed to notice the soft footsteps drawing closer.
Now, a chill crept up her spine. She had no idea how much the newcomer had overheard.
"Z-Zion…" Addison stammered, studying his face for any hint of what he might have heard.
But Zion looked calm, far too calm, as if he'd caught nothing beyond her chatter about crafts and wooden toys. She watched him a moment longer before releasing a quiet, careful sigh of relief.
"You're back?"
