Emily nodded, but her tone was light, almost dismissive. “That’s good. Still, I think it’s better if we don’t get too close. Some things shouldn’t be studied.”
Her words hung oddly in the air, deliberate but soft. The twins both nodded almost instantly. Gage’s brows lifted in confusion.
I caught Asher’s glance across the table. One that said You saw that too, right?
I cleared my throat. “We’ll handle it. The guards are prepared with tranquilizers, not bullets. We’re not looking to hurt it, just contain it.”
Emily smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “You’re always so careful. That’s good leadership.”
I couldn’t tell if it was a compliment or a warning.
After breakfast, we met with the guards outside the east wing. Liam and Kira had already set up a patrol rotation map. Ec
