"Avery, where is Elias? Silas is here to play with you guys," Declan asked as soon as his eyes landed on his daughter standing in the living room, hands on her hips like a tiny general ready for battle.
Avery turned toward her father, the stern expression on her face immediately melting into sunshine. Her cheeks puffed with a wide, sweet smile as she clasped her hands behind her back, giving the illusion of innocence she had mastered at an early age.
"Okay, dada!" she chirped in a sing-song voice before turning toward Silas. "Come, Silas. Let's play!"
Declan gave her a proud smile and ruffled her hair gently as he walked past the two kids. The second the adults were out of earshot, the light in Avery's eyes vanished.
She spun toward Silas with narrowed eyes and a scowl etched onto her face. The transformation was instant, almost theatrical. Her small arms crossed over her chest, one foot tapping against the marble floor.
