She wasn't a child. But right now, she felt like one. And her brother, her cold, distant brother, was here. Holding her. Reassuring her.
For the first time in a long while, Ava felt seen, his comfort wasn't distant or hidden behind silence. It was real, open, and meant just for her.
Seeing the warmth between the siblings, Nnenna suddenly felt a tug in her heart. She missed Abuchi's steady presence, Somto's quiet support, and even Carl's unshakable confidence.
She had tried to stay calm, but the truth was, she was still a bit shaken. A brush with death wasn't something even she could just shrug off. And right now… she wouldn't mind a comforting shoulder.
As if sensing her unspoken need, Arthur glanced at her again. A soft glint passed through his eyes, and then, without a word, he gently pulled Nnenna into the hug too. One arm around Ava, the other around her.
"You're both safe now," he said, his voice unusually tender. "I'm here."
