Franklin's eyes burned with excitement, his voice brimming with admiration. "You should've seen him," he said, almost breathless. "The boy stood his ground against Selene—Selene!—even though she wasn't using her full power. He reminded me of his mother." His hands clenched as if reliving the moment, his pride evident.
Beside him, Madeline stood with arms crossed, her expression unreadable. "Yeah, yeah, he's great—just like his mother," she muttered, barely masking her irritation. She had heard this over and over since Franklin returned. The constant praise for him. It gnawed at her, that creeping feeling from childhood resurfacing—the same feeling she had when her sister overshadowed her. And now, it was happening with her own children.
Franklin, oblivious to her thoughts, continued with enthusiasm. "I have to bring them into the family. They already carry the name—it'll make things easier." His excitement was undeniable, as if the decision had already been made.
