Alaric and Daphne walked together to the drawing room where her parents were.
The moment they stepped inside, Elizabeth rushed forward with Nathaniel in her arms. There was relief and panic all over her face.
Thomas followed closely, frowning, while Finn stood a little to the side, looking uncomfortable, like he wished the floor would swallow him whole. When his eyes met Daphne's, he mouthed a silent sorry.
Daphne barely had time to react before Elizabeth thrust Nathaniel into her arms.
"Here," her mother said sharply. "Since everyone seems to think disappearing in the middle of the night is acceptable now."
"Mother..." Daphne began.
"Daphne, why would you leave like that? Without telling anyone? Do you know how scared we were?" Elizabeth asked.
Daphne opened her mouth. "Mama, I..."
"And what is this nonsense we're hearing?" Thomas cut in, trying to stay calm but he was failing. "That you were used as bait? Bait, Daphne. Is that true?"
