Athaliah stood there feeling completely turned around because she'd never laid eyes on Esperanza before, yet the second their gazes locked something warm and easy settled inside her chest, like she'd known the little girl forever.
"Mom, I saw her in my dream, but she has the same eyes as the man who wanted to take me away."
Corvine's arms locked tighter around Espe, his whole face going hard and dark with pure fury. Seraphine jumped in fast, her voice soft but firm.
"It's alright. Voren is aware of it."
Athaliah's brows pulled together, worry flooding her expression. "But who is this man who has the same eyes as mine?"
Seraphine contemplated, searching for the right words. Lying to the anyone felt wrong, yet the truth sat heavy and complicated on her tongue.
"Your father."
Athaliah went completely still, eyes wide. "What? How?"
Esperanza tipped her head and gave Athaliah a bright little smile that lit up her whole face.
