Lucas guided the guests through the wide corridors toward the second floor. His measured footsteps echoed against the polished wooden floor as he opened one door after another.
"These will be your rooms for the night," he said softly, his voice carrying the kind of courtesy that made even Wolf Marks lower their guard.
The doors opened into spacious rooms—simple but comfortable, each with a wide bed, neat linen, and an adjoining bathroom.
Lucas finally paused before the last door on the second floor and turned to Kael. "This will be yours."
Kael gave a curt nod, pushing the door open. The room was dim, but warm light filtered in through the curtains. He slipped off his jacket, feeling the tension of the day unwind slightly.
The bathroom's steam soon filled the room as Kael let the hot water roll down his body. He braced his palms against the tiled wall, head bowed, thoughts replaying the day's discoveries. Kane. The name alone stirred unease, though Rin's certainty intrigued him even more. Kael's instincts screamed that Rin was hiding something, and Kael had never ignored instincts.
By the time he returned to bed, damp hair clinging to his neck, Kael lay down against the fresh sheets. His body relaxed instantly, muscles sinking into the mattress. Within minutes, sleep claimed him.
Meanwhile, on the third floor, Rin and Eric climbed the final set of stairs. The third floor was quieter than the rest of the mansion. It was
They both enter Rin's room.
Eric watched Rin sit down slowly on the edge of the bed.
"Do you feel any discomfort?" Eric asked, his tone direct but tinged with worry.
Rin tilted his head back slightly, closing his eyes for a moment before answering. "It's bearable, but the heat's still there and it's getting stronger."
Eric's frown deepened. "That isn't a good sign. You shouldn't be feeling like this at all. The serum was supposed to end the heat. We need to go to the hospital tomorrow, no matter what."
Rin didn't argue."Fine. Tomorrow." He gave a small nod, as though the agreement itself cost him energy.
Eric studied him a little longer. He exhaled sharply, turning toward the door. "Get some rest. Don't push yourself tonight."
Rin only hummed in acknowledgment. Eric slipped out, closing the door behind him. His own room was directly beside Rin's—just as it had always been.
Rin sat in silence for a while longer. The room felt heavy, though perhaps it was just the weight of his own body. He rose slowly, forcing himself to the bathroom. A quick shower washed away the lingering heat of the day.
When he returned, dressed in soft gray pajamas, he dropped onto the bed. His limbs ached, his mind buzzed with memories of Kane's face.
Rin lay down, staring up at the ceiling. The faint shadows danced above him, shaped by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. Sleep, however, didn't come easily. His mind turned endlessly—plans, strategies, dangers, and the faces of those who had once haunted him.
Minutes blurred into an hour. He sighed softly, shifting beneath the sheets. Still, his eyes refused to close.
Finally, exhaustion crept in like a silent thief. His breathing slowed, his thoughts scattered, and before he realized it, sleep pulled him under.
The third floor grew silent.
And the night passed on.
The smell of sizzling oil and fresh herbs filled the kitchen as Kanji worked the pan with practiced ease. His sleeves were rolled up, concentration was set on not burning the eggs while the bacon crackled on the side.
Footsteps echoed lightly against the floor, and Milo slipped in, all freshened up.
"You're up early," Kanji remarked, looking at her.
"I usually wake up at this time," Milo said, moving straight to the counter. "I'll help."
Not long after, Tobi shuffled in and started helping them make breakfast.
It didn't take long before the others also woke up.
Lucas scanned the room with his usual calm expression. "Is Ari awake yet?"
"No," Suri replied, shaking his head.
Lucas sighed softly, like this had been expected. "I'll get him up."
Lucas returned shortly after, dragging a still half-asleep Ari by the wrist. The younger boy wore loose pajamas, his hair messy, eyes half-shut. Lucas guided him to the sofa in the corner, where Ari immediately curled up and fell back asleep.
"He's out again," Nico chuckled, looking at Ari.
"Ari, wake up, breakfast's ready." Lucas again tried waking Ari up, but he didn't even flinch.
"Forget him," Suri said lightly. "Rin will wake him up."
As if summoned by his name, Rin appeared at the doorway with Eric walking behind him. His complexion still carried a pale cast, but it was already better than the day before. Everyone greeted them.
Rin's eyes fell on the sleeping figure sprawled across the sofa. Without hesitation, he crossed the room and sat beside Ari. His hand rested gently on the boy's head, fingers threading through his messy hair.
"Ari," Rin said softly. "Wake up. Go wash."
Ari stirred at once, his eyes fluttering open. "Mm… I wanna sleep," he mumbled, his voice thick with drowsiness. Without warning, he shifted closer, laying his head on Rin's lap and hugging his waist. He buried his face into Rin's stomach like a child clinging to his pillow.
Eric arched a brow, unimpressed. "You spoil him too much. Just kick his ass and he'll wake up."
Rin only shook his head faintly, still patting Ari's hair. "Go wash up," he repeated.
Ari hesitated, then let out a sigh and dragged himself upright, shuffling toward the washroom with his usual sleepy stubbornness.
"Holy shit," Jax whispered under his breath, staring wide-eyed at the scene that had just played out. "Did he just… cuddle Rin like a damn teddy bear?"
Talon smirked. "Looks like someone's got a soft spot. Didn't think Rin would tolerate that."
"And Ari, of all people. The guy acts like a brat to the rest of us, but with Rin? He turns into a kitten."
Kanji chuckled. "Well, he's the youngest, so Rin spoils him, and he acts like a brat with everyone except Rin."
By then, the food was ready. Kanji and Milo carried dishes to the dining table with Tobi helping behind them. Plates of eggs, steaming rice, crispy bacon, and warm bread covered the surface, drawing everyone to their seats.
When Ari finally returned—his face freshly washed, though his hair was still damp and sticking out in every direction—he flopped into his chair.
The clinking of utensils began, filling the silence with an easy rhythm. Laughter and small chatter followed soon after.