Tom sat silently, his expression softening as he gazed at the vulnerable teenager leaning against him. Rodolphus had fallen back asleep, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air. Rabastan, still standing protectively nearby, kept glancing at his brother with concern.
Lucius knelt down beside Rodolphus, brushing a lock of hair from his friend's face. "He's been through so much," Lucius whispered, glancing up at Tom. "He's always been so strong, but this is... this is different."
Tom's lips pressed into a thin line. "Strength is not just about standing tall in battle, Lucius. It's also about enduring the battles that no one sees," he said quietly, glancing at Rodolphus with an unexpected tenderness.
Lucius's eyes flicked to Rabastan, who was clenching his fists. "You'll keep an eye on him, right? I mean... we'll all help, but you're his brother. He needs you more than ever."
Rabastan nodded, his voice strained. "Of course. I won't let anything else happen to him."
At that moment, Abraxas and Orion stepped forward after their assessments, both wearing concerned expressions. Abraxas glanced at Tom, then back at Lucius. "We'll take good care of him, my Lord. He's in safe hands now."
Lucius gave a small nod before turning back to Rodolphus, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, Rodo... we're going to get you through this. I swear, you're not alone."
Rodolphus stirred slightly in his sleep, as if he could hear Lucius's words, and Lucius squeezed his hand gently.
Tom's gaze flicked towards the door where Ginger had left, his eyes darkening for a moment. "No one will hurt him again," Tom promised, his voice cold and resolute.
Lucius stood up slowly, turning to face Tom. "We'll protect him. He's one of us, and no one messes with our family."
Tom gave a small nod, his usual cold demeanor replaced with a rare sense of unity. "You're right. Rodolphus is family. And we protect our own."
