Her voice softened further, full of admiration. "That's not weakness. That's strength."
Dante blinked at her, momentarily speechless. He wasn't used to being seen this way—without judgment, without fear. Slowly, the tension in his shoulders eased, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Though," he said lightly, his tone warming, "I am happy that Lucien was there. He became a little light in my life. He's a serious little baby, yes—but so curious and determined. Sometimes when I look at him, I see my brother again. The same calm eyes. The same way of observing the world before speaking."
He smiled faintly to himself, his expression gentler now.
"So," Dante said suddenly, breaking the silence between them, his voice smooth yet casual, "back to the topic we were discussing earlier…"
Alina blinked, confused. "Topic?"
He leaned slightly toward her, his eyes gleaming under the sunlight. "What do you want in a boyfriend?"
