The morning sun at the Salazar estate was always cold, filtering through the high windows of the dining hall like a spotlight on a stage. Today, however, the atmosphere was particularly heavy.
Alexander entered the room with a gait that lacked its usual rhythmic confidence. His face was unnervingly pale, the dark circles under his eyes contrasting sharply with his white sweater.
Nathan and Nael were already in the dining room, eating their breakfast. They seemed calm, quieter than usual. When all his siblings were busy and sometimes skipped breakfast, Malvin was always there to keep them company, making sure they finished their breakfast and drank their milk or juice at the table.
Now, they paused to watch Alexander walk to the chair at the end.
"Good morning. Everything good?" he greeted them.
Nael beamed. "It's a nice day today. But you look sick."
