It was a beautiful day. The sun shone. The air was warm and easy. Birds chattered through the trees. Children's laughter carried from the streets. Inside, something sizzled in the kitchen of a modern apartment, tidy and large enough for a big family.
By the sliding glass door, a boy sat on the floor, leaning against the wall, watching the world outside through the closed pane.
"All right, it's finally done!"
A black-haired boy with blue eyes strode over, holding a plate of steaming—pancakes.
The boy at the glass turned. Red eyes met him.
Azriel raised an eyebrow.
"They aren't burned, huh?" he said in a half-dead voice.
Nathan nodded, enthusiastic.
"Yeah! I didn't mess it up this time."
He dropped beside Azriel. Slowly, Azriel reached for the plate on the floor, took a pancake, and bit in. It looked perfect—golden, crisp at the edges—but his face tightened.
"The inside is still disgusting."
Nathan's expression fell.
