While Leo and Milo kept Kaius distracted, Elena shifted slightly and unscrewed the cap of her water bottle, holding it out to Eliot.
"Are you thirsty ? Here, have some," she offered, her voice soft and full of concern.
Eliot shook his head.
"Are you uncomfortable then ?" she asked again, watching him closely.
He shook his head once more, his back still straight, shoulders tense like a soldier standing at attention.
Elena hugged her backpack to her side and studied his face with worried eyes. Her brows pinched together slightly.
"Eliot... did Uncle Kaius hit you ?" she asked in a near whisper, her blue eyes scanning his expression for the truth.
"No," he replied, his voice barely louder than a breath.
Relief flooded her face. Her shoulders dropped, and a small smil
