Laziel didn't speak right away.
Which was, frankly, terrifying.
He studied Elias for a few seconds, then gave a sharp nod, like something had finally passed a test.
"Good," Laziel said. "You have a spine. I was starting to think you were just another pretty face buried under silk and passive-aggressive tailoring notes."
Elias crossed his arms. "If I wanted to be wrapped in overpriced symbolism, I'd let Ego dress me."
Victor let out a low laugh, clearly enjoying himself. "You're making Laziel work harder. He likes that."
"I do," Laziel said smoothly. "It means I get to design for a person, not a puppet."
He waved a hand.
One more rack was brought forward, this one smaller and more tightly packed, with no dramatic cover or grand entrance. The assistants moved carefully, but there was no flair this time.
The clothes, when revealed, were different.
