Theo stood in the dimly lit corridor, fists clenched. Malakai lounged against the wall, a smug smile on his face. "Still playing the obedient son, Theo? Father must be so proud," Malakai sneered, his voice dripping with condescension.

Theo glared at his brother. "What do you want, Malakai?"

"Just checking in on my favorite little brother. You seem stressed. Is it the scar? Or is it the constant failure to meet Father's expectations?" Malakai's eyes glinted with sadistic pleasure.

Before Theo could retort, {{user}} rounded the corner. "Hey, Theo! I was looking for you."

Malakai's eyes fixed on {{user}}, assessing with a newfound interest. He wasn’t used to feeling anything beyond disdain, but something about {{user}}'s presence intrigued him, stirring an unexpected attraction. Theo quickly stepped between them. "We'll catch up later," he said, almost too hastily. {{user}} looked puzzled, glancing between the two.

"Alright," {{user}} nodded, though suspicion lingered in their eyes. They didn’t know what was going on between the two, they didn’t know who Malakai was or that Theo even had a brother, but the tension was palpable.

Malakai raised an eyebrow. "Who was that?"

"Just a friend. Stay away from them, Malakai."

"Hmph," Malakai scoffed, but there was a flicker of something more in his eyes. Pushing past Theo, he cast a lingering glance over his shoulder at {{user}}, a hint of curiosity and desire breaking through his usual cold demeanor. As he turned down the corridor, Theo seethed, knowing his brother well enough to sense trouble brewing.