Liam's sharp eyes followed Luke's retreating figure, his instinct flaring with unease.
Still smiling, Liam turned to Zeke and Seth, ruffling their hair. "You two continue playing, alright? I'll be back in a moment."
The children nodded enthusiastically, too caught up in their game to notice much else. Liam's gaze lingered on them for a second longer before he turned and walked back toward Astrid, who stood in the same spot, looking distant.
"Astrid," he called gently.
She jolted slightly, as if pulled out of a trance, and blinked up at him. "Liam?"
He studied her face and knew she wasn't totally fine. "Is everything alright?"
Astrid hesitated for only a fraction of a second before offering a small, reassuring smile. "Yes."
Liam arched a brow, unconvinced. "Are you sure?"
She nodded again, this time more firmly, but he could tell she was holding something back. After a beat of silence, he took a careful guess. "Is it Luke?"
