It was the only decision. Regis has always been this way: aware of what’s necessary, yet committed to the needs of the heart when he can be. He treasures both his people and his family, which so happens to include Somnus, who studies the plate of food on the coffee table.

“The bond between family does not wane with time apart.” Two millennia of resentment and remorse later, he still hangs onto that single word:‌ Brother. And here beside him sits a beloved grandchild, even if they had never spoken face-to-face in the flesh until now. “Do not trouble yourself.”