The chamber was warm with late sunlight, the wards humming in their steady rhythm. Gabriel leaned back against the couch, Orfeo nestled against his chest in soft baby sleep, the gentle rise and fall of his tiny breaths grounding against the steady weight of reports spread across Gabriel's lap. His hand shifted automatically whenever the infant stirred, fingertips brushing small curls that were already threatening to darken.
The sound of water stilled behind the inner doors. A moment later, Damian emerged from the bathing chamber, steam curling faintly around him. He wore only a towel knotted low at his hips, his black hair long now, damp strands dripping as they slid over his shoulders. Gold eyes flicked once to Gabriel, then softened only when they found the sleeping child.
"You're working again," Damian murmured, voice low, half-chiding, half-amused as he crossed the carpet.
