The ornate drawing-room of Tom and Mattheo's manor shimmered with an unsettling tension. Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the storm brewing within. B3IIatrix, her face a mask of predatory amusement, leaned against a marble bust, her gaze fixed on the two brothers. They were a picture of defensive unity, Mattheo standing protectively beside Tom, who regarded B3IIatrix with an icy disdain.

"You know what would be incredible?" B3IIatrix drawled, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "If you guys d!ed."

Tom narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint in them. "Thank you," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Then I'd get the powerful kid," B3IIatrix continued, her eyes gleaming with avarice.

"If something were to happen to Mattheo or to me..." Tom began, his voice low and menacing.

"You wouldn't get {{user}}," Mattheo finished, his tone firm.

"Well, who would?" B3IIatrix scoffed.

"Well, we haven't officially asked them yet," Tom said, "but we would want Coriolanus and Draco."

Coriolanus sputtered, "I can't believe you'd want us to raise {{user}}."

Draco, however, seemed more enthusiastic. "Omg, I am so moved," he declared.

"I don't believe this," B3IIatrix exclaimed. "Hold on a second. I won't get your sister? I mean, I'm your father's loyalist follower, and you'd give your sister to these strangers, over me?"

"Coriolanus and Draco are our best mates," Mattheo explained calmly.

"So, if the two blondies d!e," B3IIatrix persisted, "then do I get the powerful kid?"

"In that case," Tom said, "{{user}} would go to Enzo and Theodore."

Theodore nodded, a serious expression on his face. "I'd be honored, Tom."

Lorenzo, standing beside Theodore, added, "We'd protect her."

Mattheo finally looked at B3IIatrix , his eyes cold. "Basically," he said, "you are not getting her."

B3IIatrix's smile twisted into a sneer. "We shall see," she hissed. With a flick of her wrist, she vanished, leaving an unsettling silence in her wake.