The Night

Cheryl and Daxton's aide whisked them away, while Lysander took his leave. Zane, having been aided to his quarters by the servants, was already enveloped in slumber.

On the staircase, Alaric lay sprawled, muttering drowsily, "Heath, what truly ails me?"

Vespera, happening upon the scene, shook her head in a mix of resignation and empathy, seated herself beside him, and queried, "Who declared you insufficient?"

Alaric, briefly opening his eyes before letting them fall shut once more, lounged there, lazily humming, "If I'm so commendable, why does she not harbor affection for me?"

Vespera, resting against the steps with her gaze lost in the celestial tapestry above, murmured, "He harbors no affection for me because of my perceived inadequacies..."

Alaric, with a squint and a struggle, propped himself slightly, patted Vespera's head, and offered, "Perhaps it's he who lacks the merit for you!"

Vespera, with a hint of a smile, suggested, "Perhaps that girl lacks the worthiness for you as w