Cicilia wrapped her small arms tightly around my neck as I quickened my pace toward the gate, my heart thudding as Justin tried to catch up to us.
"Carmela!" he called, his voice sharp with worry, but I didn't respond. Instead, I picked up my pace, hurrying toward the building only to collide with someone. Strong hands caught me before I could stumble backward.
"Uncle!" Cicilia exclaimed excitedly. I looked up, my breath catching, and met Nix's steady, unblinking gaze.
"And where are the both of you coming from?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.
"We… we went to get ice cream," Cicilia said, holding up her cone. The ice cream had already melted, dripping down her fingers. "Oh no, it's gone!"
"Cicilia, come with me. I'll get you another cone," Justin said gently as he finally reached us. He lifted her from my arms, leaving me alone under Nix's stern, disapproving stare.
"I told you not to leave the house," he said quietly, but his tone was heavy with reprimand.
