Viora seemed to have a changed opinion on Maxwell. Although he had expected that at some point, he didn't expect the change to come that same day.
The simple scene affected him more than he liked to admit. His throat tightened and he forced the feeling down, keeping his face as neutral as he could manage, even if he wasn't fooling anyone.
"Thanks," he said, and his voice came out rougher than he'd meant it to. "That, uh. That actually means a lot."
"Don't get sentimental on me, little brother." But Viora's tone was softer now, almost teasing. "My opinion can still change."
"Fair enough." He nodded. This meant so much that Zaeryn.
Ysmeine appeared in the kitchen doorway like she'd been summoned, leaning against the frame with that knowing look she got when she'd been eavesdropping and didn't care if you knew it.
Zaeryn hadn't even noticed her leave. He'd been too focused on Viora, too caught up in that moment.
