Back at Phoenix Flight HQ — Devon had to put Orion to sleep after dinner. The boy insisted on reading a bedtime story. So Devon did just that.
"And with that…" The Esper sat on a chair beside Orion's bed, watching the way the boy's eyes half- lidded. "Cinderella and the prince lived happily ever after. The end."
Orion beamed, snuggling between his pillows. "You've told me this story before, papa…" he stopped himself, eyes widening like he wasn't supposed to say that. "I… I mean—"
"You're one weird kid, Orion." Devon shoved off the awkward moment with a chuckle, stretching a hand to his hair.
When his fingers brushed through those blonde strands, they bristled. There it was again. This… odd wave of familiarity and protectiveness. As if it were his duty to stick close to the kid.
Devon retracted his fingers, clearing his throat. "Uhm… looks like you're feeling sleepy already."
The little guy nodded slowly. "Mmhm."
