Arabella grew uneasy as the conversation between Cassius and Ariel shifted. What started as polite curiosity was slowly evolving into something more pointed, quizzical tones edging toward confrontation. She glanced nervously at Cassius, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the fabric of her skirt.
Sensing her tension, Cassius gently tapped her hand, a silent reassurance. His touch was calm, wordlessly telling her not to worry. He wasn't planning to lash out or harm her sister simply for asking questions.
She exhaled faintly and cut in between, "Cassius is right. It is odd that he would want to help without anything in exchange but there are those who defy normalcy, sister."
Ariel's gaze flicked back to her. "That may be true," she said slowly, "but humans rarely help each other when the risk is too high. So tell me, Bella, why would he help you? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I'm glad he did, but I'm also not blind. One day, he might demand something from us."
