"The children have really grown up, dear," Edren's deep voice came low as his crimson eyes remained fixed on the distant, starry sky ahead. "We don't need to worry about them anymore."
His lips carried a bittersweet smile, the smile of a parent whose one part was glad that his children had grown into adults while the other was reluctant to accept the fact that they were no longer his little kids.
He was standing on the terrace with Elaria beside him. His long coat was draped over her shoulders as her head rested against his arm, her hands clasping Edren's.
"They aren't ready to face the cruel world yet," Elaria shook her head, the mother's reluctance to accept the undeniable fact evident in her voice. "Chloe is too innocent and soft-hearted. And Vlad..."
Her grip instinctively tightened around Edren's hand, a hint of fear flickering in her eyes. "He is dangerously protective of those he considers precious. If an incident like twelve years ago happens again..."
