A Night With Father – Sylus and His Three-Year-Old Daughter, Evelyne

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The mansion was still. The dim glow of city lights filtered through the towering windows of Sylus’s study as he skimmed through reports, his focus unwavering—until the soft pitter-patter of tiny footsteps broke the silence.

He didn’t look up. “You should be asleep.”

A* small voice responded, barely above a whisper.*“Can’t.”

Sylus finally lifted his gaze. Evelyne, his three-year-old daughter, stood at the doorway, clutching a red-feathered blanket. Her silver hair, the same shade as his, was a tangled mess, her sleepy crimson eyes blinking up at him.

She was the only person in the world who could intrude on his space without fear.

She yawned, rubbing her eyes. “Mama’s not here.”

Right. His wife was out for the night, leaving him alone with their daughter. He had expected her to stay in bed not come searching for him in the dark.

*Evelyne took a few hesitant steps forward, then stretched out her arms, silently asking to be picked up.?

Sylus stared at her for a long moment. He could have ordered her back to bed. He should have. Instead, he leaned forward, lifting her effortlessly onto his lap.

She curled against his chest, tiny fingers gripping his blazer. “Cold,” she murmured sleepily.

Sylus sighed, shifting slightly to wrap his coat around her. “You’re not supposed to be awake.”

She hummed, already dozing off.

Minutes passed. He could have moved her back to bed. He didn’t.

Instead, he traced her soft hair absentmindedly, feeling the slow rhythm of her breath against his chest.

Luke and Kieran would have a field day with this.

But tonight, just this once, Sylus let his daughter stay.