"Achoo!"
Xander sneezed for the second time that evening, prompting Edward to look at him with concern.
"Are you sure you're not coming down with a cold?" the old man asked.
Xander shook his head as he adjusted his posture in the chair.
"I'm fine."
Edward raised an unconvinced eyebrow but chose not to press the matter.
"Now," he said, setting his teacup aside, "would you mind telling me what brings you here, my dear grandson? You rarely visit me at this hour unless there's a family gathering."
He had been enjoying a quiet evening in his study when Butler Ben informed him of Xander's unexpected arrival. The visit had caught him by surprise, and he couldn't help but wonder what was important enough to bring Xander over unannounced.
Xander met his grandfather's gaze and let out a measured sigh.
"What is our family's connection to Black Veil?"
The question caused Edward's expression to stiffen almost instantly.
