Salvatore herded them all back inside, scooping a protesting Teo up under one arm despite the boy's insistence that he wasn't tired at all, that he could play for hours more, that sleeping early was for old people.
"Go to bed," Salvatore said flatly, depositing him in front of Stella, who was ready to leave the kitchen. "Now."
Teo pouted but didn't argue further, allowing himself to be steered away, throwing one last longing glance back at Milo before disappearing down the hallway.
"You too," Salvatore said, turning to Roderick and Milo. "Go to sleep."
"No way, it's still early," Roderick said.
"You've had a long day."
"I played with the boys. I will not sleep."
Milo nodded in agreement. He wasn't sleepy yet.
Salvatore didn't argue anymore, already walking toward his office. He needed to finish many things.
Roderick fell into step behind him, the rope pulling Milo along in turn, and the three of them made their way down the corridor toward the office.
