He lifted a shoulder in an almost casual shrug. “That’s how he walked away with his wings.”
Dominic paused, the humor in his eyes shifting—subtly, briefly—into something more practical than ominous.
“Nicholas went through it too,” he added easily. “He can fly if he has to, he just… leaned into different skills.”
A faint shrug followed, casual by design. “Weapons, systems. That sort of thing. Every family has its quirks.”
His eyes returned to Maya, steady and unjudging.
“Remember, sweetheart—in our world,” he said, his voice still light but grounded, “family protection isn’t a luxury. It’s just… practical. We don’t rely on others to keep us safe.”
“We learn to protect ourselves and the people around us. It doesn’t make us special,” he finished gently. “Just prepared.”
Dahlia leaned f
