Alpheo leaned back in his chair, his arm resting gently around Jasmine's shoulders as he watched their son roll across the floor with the snowy white pup curled against his chest.
Basil giggled in fits and starts, occasionally letting out a triumphant "woof!" as if trying to mimic his new companion.
For a moment, Alpheo simply watched in silence , taking it all in. The peace, the warmth, the small joy of his child feeling safe enough to laugh.
Then, with a small exhale, as if releasing the weight of everything that waited outside the door, he murmured, "Well… a lot of work will be waiting for us in the upcoming days."
He paused, then turned slightly to give Jasmine a long, meaningful look. "Actually, a small correction, it'll be waiting for me, considering I'll be taking over your duties for a while."
Jasmine smirked, visibly pleased, and leaned her head against his shoulder with a teasing little hum. "Oh no, what a tragedy."
