THIRD PERSON
The study radiated luxury, a world of black elegance designed to impress effortlessly. Polished ebony covered the walls and floors, shining under a massive black-crystal chandelier. A large ebony desk stood at the center, holding only a crystal glass of rare scotch and two tumblers. Tall windows were draped in charcoal silk, revealing the glittering city beyond. The air smelled faintly of sandalwood and smoke from the marble fireplace. Every piece of furniture from the black leather chairs to the silk rug spoke of wealth and power.
Alexander stood near the windows, his reflection sharp against the city lights, the tailored black suit absorbing the chandelier's glow. His posture was effortlessly dominant, cold and unreadable.
Draven stepped inside quietly, hands behind his back. "I see you've been reviewing the reports again."
Alexander didn't turn. "Humans are watching closer than before. They've accepted that supernaturals exist, but that doesn't mean they respect boundaries."
Draven moved to the desk, resting his hands on the smooth ebony surface. "And our response?"
Alexander finally turned, eyes narrowing slightly. " we need tighter security, Less exposure. Humans think knowledge equals control, but they're wrong."
Draven nodded. "It will be tricky. Too much restriction will stir suspicion."
Alexander's gaze swept over the room slowly. "Suspicion is better than recklessness."
Draven studied his brother, sensing the weight beneath the cold exterior. "You're worried about breaches?"
Alexander's lips pressed into a thin line. "Not breaches, Curiosity. Humans always test limits. Supernaturals have consequences, Humans don't."
Draven leaned slightly against the desk. "And Nyx? she operates in between, you know."
Alexander's expression remained unreadable. "Nyx understands her job,she adapts quickly."
Draven's voice softened, almost unconsciously. "You trust her."
"I trust results," Alexander replied flatly.
Draven paused, watching him, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "You don't have to carry this alone, you know."
Alexander returned his gaze to the city. "Responsibility doesn't wait for company."
Draven nodded once, quietly. "I'll handle the internal measures and keep things discreet."
Alexander's lips curved faintly. "Good. That is all I ask."
For a long moment, the two brothers stood in the room, the chandelier casting fractured shadows over their black suits and the city beyond. Outside, humans walked unaware, living among beings they barely understood. And Alexander intended to keep it that way.
The soft click of the study door broke the stillness. "Alexander! Draven!"
Their mother swept in, her presence vibrant, almost like a storm of silk and perfume. She clasped her hands to her chest, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I've missed my three boys terribly!" she announced, as if the walls themselves had not felt her absence.
Alexander's posture stiffened, but he did not turn.
"where's… Lucien?" she asked, her tone suddenly curious.
Draven gave a slight shrug. "Likely with Nyx."
Her eyes widened.
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she straightened, a mischievous glint in her gaze. "Of course! Nyx! I've been seeing less of her lately. I suppose I should blame you boys for keeping her too busy with… whatever important matters."
Alexander's gaze flicked briefly toward her, unamused but patient.
"I mean," she continued, tilting her head as she strolled closer, "you know, I wouldn't mind if Nyx became my daughter-in-law. That way, I'd get to see more of her."
Draven's lips pressed together to suppress a smile.
Alexander, as always, remained unreadable.
His mother's sudden switch to commentary on Nyx drew a faint crease in his brow, though his tone remained measured.
"Mother," he said, voice calm, detached, "we are managing our responsibilities. Nyx's involvement is a matter of work and duty, not convenience."
"Oh, Alexander," she sighed "must you always be so serious? Even while I'm trying to reconnect with my children?"
Draven chuckled softly. "Some things never change," he murmured, earning a faint glare from their mother.
Alexander's gaze returned to the city skyline, hands clasped behind him. "Reconnection can wait. Security of the kingdom cannot."
Her eyes softened slightly, though she masked it behind a flourish of hand gestures. "Very well, but remember, I expect to see all three of my sons this evening for dinner, and Nyx, too"
"And Alexander… I am serious about Nyx being my daughter-in-law. Don't make me feel neglected again."she added before she left with the same elegant grace befitting a queen.
Their mother's footsteps faded, leaving the study steeped in black elegance and silence.
Alexander exhaled slowly, hands still clasped behind him, his expression unreadable.
Draven stepped closer to the window. "Mother has a way of complicating matters."
Alexander's gaze remained on the city lights. "She is… persistent." His tone was flat, but the faint crease at his brow betrayed the thought of Nyx. "Focus, Security cannot wait for family dramas."
Draven nodded. "Understood. We tighten patrols, and limit exposure."
Alexander's jaw tightened. "Discretion is key. Human's are aware of our existence , but! , they must never feel in control."
Draven glanced at him, voice low. "And Nyx?"
"why bring up her name in every conversation?" Alexander asked.
A faint crease formed at his brow, unnoticed by Draven. His mother's insistence of Nyx to be her daughter-in-law stirred thoughts he refused to entertain. Strategy demanded control, yet a shadow of something else, unwelcome and unfamiliar, flickered behind his calm, calculating exterior.
Draven allowed a small, approving nod. He straightened and smoothed his coat. "See you at dinner, brother."
"I could say the same," Alexander said.