Eden

Everyone had already left Dayn’s office, one by one retreating to their respective rooms. Sleep was optional for them — habit more than necessity.
Eden stayed behind with the new employee. Human. The boy had fallen asleep where he sat, exhaustion finally winning over vigilance. Eden watched him for a moment longer than necessary before carefully lifting him into his arms, movements slow and controlled, as if even the air could be disturbed. He carried him down the corridor, stopping only when he reached the bedroom door. Eden didn’t cross the threshold.
A human lived there now.
And vampires could not enter without invitation. For a long moment, he stood still, weighing instinct against restraint — hunger against care. His grip never tightened. If anything, it softened. …You’re safe, Eden murmured quietly, more to himself than to the sleeping boy.
When you wake up… I’ll be right here.
He waits.