The elegant woman slowly extended her pale hands toward the child.
On the side, Amaniel squinted briefly. He shifted his peripheral vision toward Caelia and noticed the Mistress remaining completely still. She stood frozen in place, making absolutely zero effort to stop the approaching woman.
Despite seeing that, he maintained his protective hold on the little girl. He kept his posture relaxed and calmly met the supposed grandmother's ancient, pitch-black gaze.
The pale hands moved closer.
Just as those long fingers were about to brush against the fabric of the little girl, Cathiel moved away on her own. She swiftly turned and buried her face into Amaniel's chest. She hid her small body behind his arm, only peeking out warily at the stranger.
"!"
The warm, loving smile instantly froze on the woman's flawless face.
