Atlas still held Vienne in his arms, gently rocking her from side to side before spinning once and lifting her high into the air. The baby burst into delighted laughter, her tiny voice echoing through the room.
Not far away, Morganna stood with her usual sharp expression. Her words still carried the same edge they always did, cutting through the air like glass.
Atlas made his way toward the tall chair near the balcony and sat down, placing Vienne on his lap. The little girl bounced happily, giggling as Atlas kept a steady hand on her so she wouldn't fall.
"You know," he said calmly, glancing toward the vampire queen, "you rarely ever say what's really on your mind, don't you?"
Morganna folded her arms, turning her gaze outward. "I'm certain a Lord has enough intellect to understand something that simple," she replied coolly. "Consider it… my way of showing respect."
