Changing

"Mom, stop it," Atticus muttered as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

After spending hours with Oberon, he had immediately run into Anastasia on his way back to his room. She had insisted they have dinner together, and they were currently doing just that in his room.

Anastasia smiled warmly and reached across the table to brush a stray piece of hair from his forehead. His hair had always been bushy, and she had long since tired of constantly asking him to get a haircut. Maybe she'd cut it in his sleep…

"You're never too old to be worried about," she replied gently, her eyes filled with warmth.

She knew this would probably annoy him, but she couldn't resist. She just couldn't help herself.

"Especially when you're going off to risk your life tomorrow."

Atticus sighed, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. He had learned about the history of the other Apex events in the past.