Bab 361: Defying

"...Anyone who passed by that place heard sounds in the air and echoes in the water. The piece of land that fell from heaven later came to be known as the Whispering Mist River, the land of boundless treasures and abundance.'' 

By the time Elder Hall stopped speaking, Esme was still glancing at Rezeph, waiting for him to say something or to look into her eyes and notice her concerns but he treated her like air. 

She pulled her hand out of Aleister's grip and stood up, ''Father, what is this about?" The uneasiness in her heart was intensifying every moment the man did not meet her gaze and answer her questions. 

Rezeph gazed at Esme, seemingly unmoved by her concerns, ''I do not know what you are talking about.'' 

Esme's fingers trembled. Just as she was about to curl them into a tight fist, a warm palm enveloped her hand.

Esme glanced at Aleister who shielded her from behind, his palm gently lingering above hers.