"Are you nervous?" Damien asked, watching his sister fuss with her hair in front of the mirror.
Ruby scoffed. "Me? Nervous? Please. I've stared down monsters twice my size before I even became a Warden. You think a few reporters with microphones scare me?"
Damien smirked. "You just wanted an excuse to brag about that again, didn't you?"
Ruby turned slightly, one eyebrow raised. "I never told you to stay underachieved, dear brother."
Damien picked up a sheathed dagger and flicked it at her. She swatted it aside without even looking and went back to adjusting her collar.
He sighed dramatically. "Can't you show a little sympathy for someone who nearly died?"
Ruby paused, turned, and widened her eyes in mock concern. "Aww… does my little brother want to be pampered? Should I get you some candy and pat your head?"
"I really hope the reporters don't announce a certain Vermillion's *death* today," Damien said with a sweet smile that didn't reach his eyes.
