"Please?" I said, giving her sleeve another gentle tug.
It was a low move, but fair payback for the cheek-pinching.
Aunt Liora didn't respond right away.
She looked at my parents, then back at me.
"…You want to see the training grounds?" she asked.
"Yes. I've never seen one before."
She hummed softly and leaned back.
"There's no rule that says I can't show it to you."
Dad gave her a look but stayed quiet.
Mom looked amused again.
"Fine," Liora said finally. "I'll take you. But only for a short while."
"Yes!" I said quickly, making sure I sounded excited.
She smiled and poked my forehead.
"You're a sneaky one."
I just gave her my best innocent look. It worked. She didn't press any further.
She kept me on her lap for a bit longer before finally standing up.
Then, without warning, she lifted me into her arms.
"Let's go."
Mom stood too, brushing off her clothes.
Dad stayed seated.
"I'll stay behind and look after the house."
It was easy to tell what he meant.
