Aciel glanced at Xylia.
He knew he had some explaining to do, and that realization only irritated him further.
"Simon, take Xylia outside."
"W-Wait! What—"
Before she could finish speaking, Simon grabbed her arm and gently pulled her toward the door.
"Take your hands off me!" she protested.
Simon simply placed a finger against his lips.
"Shhh."
Then he motioned for her to listen.
Confused, Xylia stopped struggling and stood beside the door.
Inside the room, Grace was still glaring at Aciel.
"Grace, that kiss on the cheek meant nothing," Aciel said impatiently. "I asked what you wanted for your birthday, and you said you wanted a kiss. That's all it was."
He ran a hand through his hair.
"And that promise? We were kids. You kept crying, and I said whatever would make you stop. I already explained that years ago."
Grace laughed bitterly.
"What's happening to you, Aciel?"
Her eyes reddened with tears.
"It's like you're falling for her."
She pointed toward the door.
