As soon as the words were spoken, the room fell into a silence so profound that one could hear a pin drop. Although the Norse siblings had already learned from Asael that their sister was alive, hearing it directly from him while she stood in front of them brought a whirlwind of complicated emotions — joy, confusion, doubt, and suspicion.
Lara's accusing gaze bore into Asael. Didn't he promise not to tell anyone of her identity?
Asael lowered his gaze, his heart racing. He felt guilty; he had promised to keep her secret but had broken it.
"You came here with the identity of Kane Mendel, a man and not a woman. Who wouldn't doubt your intention, Mr. Mendel?" Odin spoke with the authority befitting that of a general. His gaze lingered over Lara's face, and she noticed it softened. But when she blinked and looked again, his gaze returned to that of the stern commander.
