Aletha didn't respond to Caden's last provocation, but the fiery challenge in her eyes was unmistakable. A tense silence settled, and Bella, visibly exasperated, sighed before announcing:
— I'm going to the kitchen with Aletha, while Zetch will take Caden to his room.
Zetch, amused, shot Bella a sidelong glance.
— Aren't you curious to see your own room too?
Bella shrugged and replied with a playful smile:
— Later. For now, I'd rather avoid a war.
She gestured toward Aletha and Caden, who were still glaring daggers at each other.
Without waiting any longer, Bella grabbed Aletha by the wrist and dragged her toward the kitchen. Aletha wanted to protest, but faced with her friend's insistence, she gave up and followed reluctantly. Meanwhile, Zetch motioned for Caden to follow him, his usual grin still in place.
In the kitchen, Aletha didn't bother hiding her displeasure.
— Why does Caden have to be here with us?
Bella, busy rummaging through the cupboards, raised an eyebrow before replying:
— We don't have a choice. We need him.
Aletha crossed her arms, skeptical.
— Really?
Bella held her gaze before explaining:
— He has strange dreams. Dreams that might help us understand what's happening to us.
Aletha let out a loud sigh before muttering:
— So I can't get rid of him?
Bella, amused, replied with a laugh:
— No. You'll have to live with him.
Then, with a mischievous grin, she added:
— You survived Zetch, I'm sure you can handle Caden.
But Aletha shook her head and retorted:
— Don't compare that idiot to Zetch. At least he doesn't lose his temper like a maniac.
Bella burst out laughing at the remark, and to her surprise, Aletha found herself laughing too.