"Forgive us, Eilika. Our intention was never to cause you any distress," Wilfred apologized softly, speaking on behalf of both himself and his wife.
He stepped closer to the edge of the bed, his expression softening with genuine vulnerability. "Susan was frantic with worry when she brought me the news of the explosion. We are truly thankful to the heavens that you are safe and standing before us."
He reached out and gently patted her head with a fatherly tenderness she hadn't felt in a long time, then offered her a final, respectful bow before turning to leave the chamber with his wife.
Eilika gazed toward the closed door long after they had departed, a wave of conflict washing over her as she wondered if she had been too harsh in her silent judgment.
Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain throbbed against her temple, causing her to wince, though the ache subsided after a few fleeting seconds.
