Gabriel didn't linger over the wine. One glass, then he set it down with a decisive clink and crossed the room toward the nursery door without so much as a glance at Damian.
Damian followed with the steady pace of a man who had no intention of being left behind. The warm, low light in Arik's room spilled across the hall as Gabriel pushed the door open. The faint hum of the ether cradle filled the quiet, along with the soft, almost imperceptible sound of their son's breathing.
Arik was still small enough to be swallowed by the blanket, with only the crown of dark hair visible. Gabriel bent over the cradle, fingers brushing over the fine weave, smoothing a wrinkle that wasn't really there. He stayed there longer than necessary, letting the quiet sink into his bones.
