"Ah, so you've heard of my break. I thought His Highness would not notice," Thaddeus said, his voice laced with an eerily kind smile that sent chills down Azrael's spine. The smile was unsettlingly similar to Caelum's, a mask of kindness hiding something much darker.
Azrael hesitated for a split second but took Thaddeus' outstretched hand, allowing the guidance counselor to help him up. Once on his feet, Azrael immediately pulled his hand away, trying to mask his discomfort.
Thaddeus's eyes narrowed slightly, taking note of Azrael's quick withdrawal. "You seem to be doing well, Your Highness. Your complexion looks much brighter than the last few times we've spoken, noh?"
