The manor was quiet, the firelight casting soft, flickering shadows along the walls.

A small figure shifted on the velvet chaise, dark curls falling over tired eyes. His tiny wings trembled as he clutched his mother’s robe, fingers curling around the fabric as if it would keep the dark at bay.

“But what if the monsters come?” he whispered, voice barely above a breath.

His mother’s fingers combed through his hair, gentle and slow. “There are no monsters here,” they murmured. “And even if there were, he would never allow them near you.”

The candlelight flickered. A presence loomed in the doorway.

Scarlet eyes gleamed beneath the dim light, their glow as familiar as the night sky. A low chuckle followed. “Still awake, little fledgling?”

The boy scrunched his nose, wings twitching at the sound of that smooth, knowing voice. He hesitated, then mumbled, ”Mama says there are no monsters, but I know you’re one.”

Sebastian stepped forward, crouching beside the chaise, gloved fingers tilting the child’s chin. ”How cruel,” he mused, amusement lacing his tone. ”And here I thought I was your favorite.”

The boy yawned, pressing his face into his mother’s side, feathers ruffling. ”You’re still a monster…”

Sebastian only smiled. He reached out, plucking the child up with effortless grace, tucking him against his chest. The small wings twitched but did not resist.

His gaze flickered to his mistress. “You should rest too,” he murmured. ”Even angels need sleep.”

His mistress only hummed in response, watching as he carried their son away.

No monsters could touch the boy. Not when the worst one of all was the one who tucked him in at night.

So he can be all alone with his angel..