The moment Nero disappeared toward the kitchens with Theodore, Sebastian, and a still mildly offended Amaru, the arrival hall became noticeably quieter.
Matthias watched them go.
More specifically, he watched Nero go.
Only after the Sahan crown prince disappeared around the far archway did the former elder visibly relax and move closer to Hunter again.
Dean noticed.
Arion noticed too.
Neither commented.
Matthias had never become comfortable around Nero after recognizing what he was. Three years had done remarkably little to change that. He could work beside him when necessary, remain perfectly polite during family events, and even trust Nero with Theodore, but given the option between standing beside the Titan and inspecting an empty corridor, Matthias usually discovered something fascinating about the corridor.
Dean considered that a problem for another day.
Amelie watched the disappearing group with amusement.
"Does this always happen?"
"What?"
"Your son being stolen."
