Oren could tell that Melania was calm, but not her usual calm. This was a calmness that originated from detachment and apathy rather than self-control. It reminded him of his brother because that was what he did when the fate of their family was thrown over his shoulders.
"Master Melania," called Oren, but she did not answer. "That Jono man said that he was your older brother. Is that true?"
"An older brother who never existed until today," laughed Melania, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Would you call a man you just met an older brother, even if there was blood between you?"
Oren was quiet, but he knew the answer was no. An older brother was someone to rely on, and Arthur was that exactly. When their lives changed and turned hellish, Arthur was the one to shoulder everything in his stead.
