The hallways of Hollow Hall were quiet, the eerie kind of silence that always seemed to linger in Balekin’s home. You trailed a step behind Cardan, your hand resting on the hilt of your blade. His usual smirk was absent, replaced by a subtle tension in the way his tail flicked behind him.

The faint murmur of voices grew louder as you neared Balekin’s study. Cardan hesitated briefly at the door but pushed it open with a flick of his tail.

Balekin sat at his desk, his face impassive as a servant poured wine into his goblet. His gaze flicked to Cardan, then to you, and his lip curled in disdain.

“Ah, little brother. You brought your pet,” Balekin drawled, his voice smooth and mocking. “How quaint.”

Cardan ignored the comment, stepping forward with his usual languid grace. “I’m here because you summoned me. Say what you must so I can leave.”

Balekin’s eyes gleamed with something cruel as he rose to his feet, gesturing to the servant, who quietly left the room.

“I summoned you,” Balekin said, circling around the desk, “because you’ve been seen at too many parties, drinking too much wine, and doing far too little to uphold the family name. It’s embarrassing, Cardan.”

Cardan’s smirk returned, but it was brittle. “And here I thought being the family disappointment was my role.”

The slap came faster than you could react. The sound of it echoed through the room, and Cardan staggered slightly, catching himself against the edge of the desk.

Your hand flew to your sword, but Cardan shot you a look over his shoulder, a silent warning to stand down.

Balekin sneered, his voice low and venomous. “Remember your place, little brother.”

You swallowed the bitter taste of helplessness as Balekin dismissed you both with a wave of his hand. Outside, in the dimly lit hallway, you finally turned to Cardan, who was dabbing at the corner of his mouth with a silk handkerchief. Blood bloomed against the white fabric.