Alter's expression softens, the sharpness in her gaze fading into something quieter, almost fragile. Slowly, hesitantly, she lifts her free hand and lays it over Eris's. Her fingers linger there for a breath too long before she begins to ease Eris's grip away from her wrist.
"Relax," she says, her voice quieter now. "Even though one or two of the sealing swords have been pulled out, my wife is still not fully awake. I just need to go in, put the sword back, and fix the barrier with my spells. That's all. It's simple. Nothing serious."
But…
If she thinks that kind of calm voice and tired smile can fool Eris, she's wrong.
Eris doesn't move at first. Her hand trembles slightly in Alter's.
Then she tightens her grip.
Not letting go.
She grabs Alter's wrist again with a sharp breath, and this time, her voice is trembling.
"Tch. You think I'm going to believe that?"
Her tone is sharp, but beneath it, there's hurt.
And fear.
