Time seemed to halt the moment Maverick's eyes landed on the figure standing in the doorway.
The shadow slowly receded, revealing the tall man within it—his golden hair and pale skin catching the morning light.
Maverick's breath caught. It's him. Julius.
Julius released his grip from the doorframe and took an unsteady step down the stairs. His expression was dazed, as though the world around him hadn't yet caught up.
When he took another step, his legs buckled beneath him.
Maverick didn't move. He stood there, rooted to the spot, watching in stunned silence as Julius collapsed to the ground.
From behind, Henry appeared, emerging from the same threshold Julius had just crossed. He rushed toward Julius, reaching down to help.
But then Maverick spoke, his voice low and strained.
"Let him be, Henry."
Henry froze mid-motion. Conflicted, he glanced at Maverick, then straightened, bowed politely, and retreated without a word.
