★★★★★★★★★
He puffed up like a rooster and smiled with all the wrong kind of pride. "You know that granddaughter of mine—such a blessing to me! She left for a meeting in Country V two days ago. But she did leave a message for you, Alpha Horace." Litius's grin widened, ridiculous and smug. "She said she'll really miss you, and that you should take care."
The smile leaked off Horace's face as if someone had wiped it with ice. The laughter in the great hall thinned, the gilt and banners seemed suddenly too loud. Storm-grey eyes tightened, the faint amusement evaporating into something cold and taut.
"Excuse me, Grandpa," Horace murmured to Caecilus, clipped as a drawn blade. He pivoted without waiting for a reply and walked out of the hall. Xavier fell into step beside him.
From the bench Alex watched the change happen like a physical thing—the air around Horace sagging, the light favoring his profile. He stood fast, the woman next to him smirking as she toyed with his sleeve.
