Zethan fell silent, his body tensing. What did this little boy just say to him? He was dumbfounded. He turned to Lilia, waiting for her to say something—anything.
In fact, the way he had said he wanted to protect her from people like him hit hard.
The hall was still filled with chatter. Some people sat and talked, while others stood and mingled with their new alliances and partners.
Lilia turned to the boy who had just sat up.
"Honey, what's your name?"
Zethan's jaw clenched tighter. Wasn't that the name she usually called him? Why was she using it on this little boy? That name, that tone—it was his. It belonged to him alone. He didn't want to share it with anyone.
"My name is Tommy, Miss Beauty," the boy replied with a bright smile.
Lilia laughed softly as she ruffled his brown hair. Zethan's frown deepened, now fully visible as he finally spoke, drawing Lilia and Tommy's attention. It was clear the boy had captured all of hers.
