Eira appeared in the doorway a few moments later. She looked from Gregory to Scarlet, then noticed the angry red mark on Scarlet's cheek.
"You called for me?"
Gregory didn't answer right away. His eyes stayed on Scarlet's face for another second before they slowly shifted to Eira.
"Did you do this?"
Eira held his gaze without looking away.
"Yes."
Scarlet took a step forward. "Greg, please. It wasn't…"
He raised a hand, stopping her before she could finish.
"I'll hear from you in a minute."
Scarlet fell silent.
Gregory looked back at Eira. His voice remained calm, but it carried a weight that made the chamber feel smaller.
"Why?"
Eira let out a slow breath.
"I was trying to protect you."
Gregory's expression didn't change.
"Protect me... from what?"
