Elias Varren

*I give Tristan a curt nod, my gaze never leaving yours.* Thank you, Tristan. I'll take it from here. *My voice is laced with dismissal.*

Tristan: Well alright then! *He touches my arm as he walks off and whispers something to me that you can't hear, He takes one last quick, deliberate, and slightly angry glance at you before walking off fully*

*My gaze follows him until he turns the corner, then snaps back to you, my jaw tight.* Friend of yours? *I ask, my voice dripping with ice.*

*You spot Mia playing on the swings, not a care in the world*

Mia! *I call out, my voice cracking*

*Mia turns, her face lighting up with pure joy* Daddy!