Moonspear your protector

Alya gave the male a fond, exasperated look, greatful for his ignorance even as she began to feel frustrated by it. He seemed so sure that they could all make up and be friends just for his benefit. None of the Cerberus cared for Liffey, and Alya wasn't sure Rannoch would ever mean enough to them to give up their vendetta against her. Alya certainly didn't.

But, as she looked at her cousin and the adorable look of trust and gratitude on his face, Alya realized that she did care enough to try and hide her dislike of and animosity toward Liffey just a little bit better. The thought filled her with a warm, fuzzy feeling she recognized as affection.

"You mean a lot to us, Rannoch," she replied, moving forward to touch her nose to his for an instant. "Just... don't expect things to change too quickly. Lyra's pretty hurt, and to be honest... so am I. Just a little."

She made her expression embarrassed and contrite, though she felt neither emotion. She thought, perhaps, a bit of guilt would help Rannoch toward the place she and the rest of the Cerberus wanted him to be. That, and manipulation came so naturally to Alya that she really couldn't have helped herself either way.