**Chapter 1171**
I pushed my chair back slowly, the legs scraping against the wooden floor. The sound felt louder than it should have in the quiet kitchen. Amelia looked up at me, one eyebrow raised in quiet question.
"I'm going to talk to him," I said, keeping my voice low. "Before we leave."
She studied me for a second, then gave a small nod. "I'll come with you."
I didn't argue. Part of me was grateful. Another part of me wondered if she was coming to support me… or to keep an eye on my father.
Eiro stood as well, golden eyes calm but alert. "I should go too. The sooner I check him, the better. We can't afford to bring an unstable element into the Abyss with us."
I exhaled through my nose. "Right. Let's get this over with."
