The startled reaction wasn't what Ilia had been going for and she cringed, offering the girl an apologetic look. "Sorry, sorry! I should have come up from the side or something."

She chuckled. "Seriously? Must have been a sixth sense acting up." It wasn't uncommon for teenage girls to be sensitive, after all.

The news caused Ilia's brows to raise and she moved forward to give her young friend a hug. "I'm really glad to hear that, Anise." She held her for a moment, then pulled back, smiling. "How are Guy and Claude holding up?"