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“I think,” he said carefully, “we need to be prepared. For anything.”

The elevator ride down to the parking underground was silent, each brother lost in their own thoughts. It wasn’t until they were settled in the Bentley that Archer spoke up.

“Well, that was fun,” he drawled from the back seat. “Nothing like starting the day with ancient prophecies and interpretive dance threats.”

“The marketing proposal for the Kingston clan collaboration needs to be finished by tomorrow,” Ryker reminded him as he navigated through New Vale’s busy streets.

“Already done,” Archer said, typing something on his phone. “Sent it to their team this morning. The expansion projections are on your desk, and I’ve scheduled the focus groups for next week.” He glanced up with a grin. “Just because I hate meetings doesn’t mean I don’t work, big brother.”

They pulled into Whitlock Tower’s private garage, but something made Zane pause as they entered the lobby. A scent—delicate, ethereal, like cherry blossoms in moonlight…

“You smell that?” Ryker asked quietly, his own wolf stirring.

Archer sniffed the air. “Did they change the diffusers again? Told them the lavender was fine…”

But this wasn’t artificial fragrance. This was… different. Familiar somehow, though Zane couldn’t place why. His wolf urged him to follow it, to track down its source.

The scent led them through the busy lobby, past staff members focused on their tasks, through corridors where employees hurried with papers and tablets. None seemed to notice the faint trail of cherry blossoms.

Zane caught a glimpse of lavender disappearing around a corner. His wolf surged forward, suddenly alert, reminding him of Luca, but he dismissed it. Work. He needed to concentrate on work.

They gathered in Zane’s office, reviewing the morning’s council decisions. Archer sprawled in one of the leather chairs while Ryker organized their notes at the conference table.

“Dark Haven’s movements concern me,” Ryker was saying. “If they’re really sending hunters across our borders?—”

Zane’s head snapped up, cutting off Ryker’s words. That scent again!

Movement caught his eye through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. A flash of lavender between the columns of the outer corridor.

“Was that…?” Ryker’s voice was soft with surprise.

“Luca,” Zane breathed, something in his chest tightening at the sight of his brother actually leaving his room, exploring their home for what felt like the first time in forever.

They watched through the glass as he peeked around corners and slipped between columns with endearing determination to remain unseen. He’d pause sometimes to admire the artwork or touch the marble columns with wondering fingers, as if he’d never seen them before.

“Oh my God, he’s precious,” Archer whispered, watching Luca attempt to sneak past a busy conference room by tiptoeing dramatically, only to trip over his own feet and have to pretend he meant to examine that particular spot of carpet. “Can we keep him?”

“He’s not a puppy, Archer,” Ryker said, but he was smiling too.

“No, he’s better. He’s our little vampire prince who apparently thinks he’s in a stealth video game.” Archer’s eyes lit up. “Think he’d want to play one with me? He’s got the sneaking part down…”

Luca was now half-hidden behind a massive column just outside their office, watching with wide eyes as a group of marketing executives struggled through a presentation abouttheir new luxury skincare line. He hadn’t noticed them watching him, too focused on observing the normal workday activities, his tiny fangs worrying his bottom lip as he listened, head tilted like a curious kitten.

He looked… different somehow. More present than he’d been in years. More real.

More alive.

“That’s it,” Archer announced, pushing away from the window. “I’m getting our little prince.”

“Archer.” Ryker’s warning held a note of resignation. Their younger brother had already straightened his suit jacket, a familiar glint of mischief in his eyes.

“What? He’s actually outside his room. This is a historic moment that demands celebration.” He grinned. “Besides, did you see him taking mental notes? Our shy vampire prince has opinions about marketing strategies.”

“Archer—” But the door had already closed behind him.

Through the window, Zane watched his younger brother’s approach. Archer moved with casual grace, careful not to startle their brother, but Luca remained oblivious, too absorbed in the marketing presentation.

The moment Archer’s hand touched his shoulder, several things happened at once.