Elias remained silent.
Sephrah's voice softened. "Did you know? When Cassius was a boy, he had friends among the staff. Children his age. He was too young to understand status, too young to care about such things." She let out a slow breath. "But my husband… he did something unforgivable to those children. After that, Cassius never played with the servants again."
Elias felt something settle in his chest. A quiet, heavy understanding.
Sephrah glanced at him, her expression knowing. "Perhaps that is why he prefers to be alone."
Elias lowered his gaze. He had always known Cassius's distance was not just preference—it was a defense. A habit born from something deeper.
Sephrah smiled slightly. "You do not have to answer now," she said gently. "But think about it, Elias. You have always been by his side. Perhaps you are already closer to him than you realize."
She stepped forward, leaving Elias standing there, the weight of her words lingering in the air.
