Lake stared at the group that had finally caught up to him, Sylph hovering at their forefront. A familiar, sinking feeling settled in his gut.
'So much for avoiding trouble.'
For a wild second, he considered simply grabbing Lilia and bolting. But that would only agitate the creature currently latched onto his arm, and the ensuing scene would guarantee the very confrontation he'd hoped to avoid.
There was no hiding now. With a resigned sigh, he caught Sylph's eye—her presence already drawing curious looks from the passing crowd—and gestured subtly toward a quieter spot beneath a nearby tree. Sylph had a look of understanding as she nodded her head rapidly before zipping over instantly, a blur of green.
Kate and the others were quick to follow, converging on the shaded bench where Sylph had landed. All their eyes still remained fixed on him, a mix of caution, frustration, and stark curiosity burning in their gazes.
"Hm?"
