Antonio scoffed. "They must. They were born into this family. Into responsibility."
"No," Alexander countered, eyes sharp. "They were born into a family that failed to protect them from responsibility too soon. I know what it's like to grow up under constant pressure. I know what it's like to be dragged into meetings I didn't understand, forced to smile at people who wanted to buy and sell us like products. I know what it's like to be told, at fifteen, that weakness is a sin."
He held Antonio's gaze, unflinching. "I won't let them feel that. Not yet. Not when they barely understand who they are."
Antonio's voice hardened. "Life doesn't wait for anyone to 'understand themselves.' That's nonsense."
"Then I'll hold the line until they're old enough," Alexander replied. "Until they can walk in your world without breaking."
