Beyond the Starlit River
Every time, he would quarrel with Adrian, sometimes even strike him.
Mother feared Father would hurt Adrian's fragile body, but she also wanted Father to fight for her as he once had.
This time, Mother was destined to be disappointed.
Father agreed without the slightest hesitation. He even untied the calming charm he had worn at his waist for five years and placed it in Adrian's hand.
"You may keep this too, Undersecretary. It is said to ward off evil and calm the mind. It may help."
The moment Mother saw the charm, her eyes reddened. She seized Father's wrist, her face full of disbelief.