Alaric sat alone in the study, the cool light of the moon spilling through the large windows, casting long shadows on the floor. His gaze remained fixed on the moon, his thoughts distant as if the celestial body held answers to the storm brewing within him. Gilbert stood quietly near the door, observing his master with the silent, steady presence he had perfected over centuries of service.
Without turning his head, Alaric broke the silence, his voice calm but heavy. "The thing about family, Gilbert," he began, his tone reflective, "is that you can't escape it. Blood binds us in ways even time can't break. No matter how much pain, betrayal, or sacrifice… in the end, it's always family that remains. And with family comes the burden of responsibility."
