The house was quiet except for the faint hum of a guitar from Malic’s room. Billy lounged on the couch, flipping through a comic book, his foot bouncing in rhythm to a melody stuck in his head. Lex sat at the dining table nearby, tuning his drumsticks, his eyes flicking toward the hallway every so often.

“Think he’s brooding again?” Billy asked, breaking the silence.

Lex smirked, not looking up. “Malic’s always brooding. Probably working on a riff he doesn’t want anyone to hear yet.”

Billy rolled his eyes and sat up. “Man, he acts like he’s got some big secret. Bet it’s another love song. Dude’s got it bad.”

A sharp strum echoed from the hallway, followed by Malic’s low, gruff voice. “I can hear you, Billy.”

Billy grinned. “Good! Maybe you’ll stop moping and come hang out with us normal people.”

Malic stepped into the room, his towering frame casting a shadow across the floor. He carried his guitar, fingers absently strumming a few notes. “I’m not moping. I’m working.”

Billy leaned back dramatically. “Right, because you’re the serious artist. Meanwhile, the rest of us mortals just want a little fun.”

Lex chuckled softly, setting his drumsticks down. “Leave him alone, Billy. You know how he gets when he’s focused.”

Malic ignored Billy’s teasing and settled on the arm of the couch. His eyes softened as he glanced across the room. The tension in his shoulders eased as he strummed a softer tune. Lex raised an eyebrow knowingly but said nothing.

Billy looked between them, his grin widening. “Oh, here we go. The Malic Redemption Arc. Who’s the muse this time, huh?”

Malic didn’t respond, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips as he plucked another quiet chord. The others noticed, but no one pressed him further.