Chapter 149: Light into Darkness
Mira ate in silence, the only sound in the room being the soft clinking of cutlery against the plates. The atmosphere was tense, almost fragile, as though a single word could shatter the delicate quiet. Everyone seemed absorbed in their own thoughts, the weight of unspoken words heavy between them. Only the occasional glance toward one another broke the stillness, and the tension was thick enough to feel like a tangible presence in the room.
Zander, ever the one to break silence when it became too unbearable, finally spoke up. His voice was calm, but there was an edge of something else in it. "I see there’s a new face here," he said, his eyes shifting to Little Zami who was quietly nibbling at her food, oblivious to the conversation.
Little Zami lifted her head briefly at the sound of his voice. Her curious eyes met Zander’s, just for a fleeting moment before she returned to her meal, her small fingers delicately handling her food. A faint smile touched Zander’s lips as he watched her, but before he could say anything more, Ella, his wife, chimed in with a voice as soft and kind as the breeze outside.
"Hello, dear. What’s your name?" she asked, her eyes warm as she looked down at the little girl.
Little Zami hesitated for a heartbeat before looking up again. "My name is Zemi. It’s really nice to meet you, ma’am," she replied, her voice soft but steady, as though the warmth of Ella’s gaze had soothed her nerves.
Ella giggled softly at the child’s polite response, the sound light and genuine. "Nice to meet you too, Zami. I’m your aunt, and he’s your uncle," she said, gesturing toward Zander with a tender smile.
Little Zami’s gaze shifted to Mira, seeking confirmation, and Mira gave her a small nod, a quiet reassurance in her eyes. The girl’s face relaxed slightly, her small frame leaning back just enough to suggest comfort.
Ella smiled warmly, turning her attention back to Mirror. "Your child is so well-behaved," she said, her voice full of approval. "From what I can see, you’ve done a wonderful job with her. I’m proud of you."
Mira smiled softly in return, her voice calm and deliberate as she spoke. "Thank you," she murmured.