A pair of purple eyes met a pair of deep black ones as Asher stared calmly at Thalric, who had just arrived.
Thalric, sensing the unflinching gaze upon him, turned to meet his brother's eyes. Asher stood beside him, silent and unreadable. The two brothers seemed locked in a contest of wills, a battle of gazes, neither uttering a single word nor allowing the other even a flicker of dominance.
'What is he doing here?' Asher thought, his sharp eyes briefly shifting toward Thalric. But he quickly pushed the thought aside; this was not the time for questions. Doris still stood before him, his battle had yet to end.
"You look pitiful, Asher," Thalric's lips parted gently as he spoke, his voice carrying the calm indifference of one who owed no explanation. He made no effort to justify his sudden appearance; he didn't need to. His presence alone carried meaning enough.
