Melchior's shoulders sank with a quiet sigh as he returned to his documents. Maybe giving the boy a proper job here—something official—would finally ease that strange guilt of his, enough that he'd dare to use what was given to him.
---
Meanwhile, Mavis practically sparkled while praising Sylene's room.
The fox didn't hold back, elbowing his brother with a sly grin. "Wow, you really scored big, didn't you?" he teased, eyes roaming over every luxurious corner. "That gardener of yours is so rich… I might as well apply to be a gardener in vampire territory too."
Sylene let out a strangled sound and immediately began darting around the room—straightening pillows, closing drawers, fixing imaginary flaws—anything to escape the heat rising to his cheeks. "Mavis—stop saying nonsense—"
But Mavis only laughed, the sound bright and mischievous. Every little thing he saw became fuel for another jab, another playful poke, another reason to watch his brother flush even harder.
