Darius did not need to look in the mirror to know that a murderous hunger was slithering its way into his eyes. The bloodlust was humming in his veins. So sweetly, so intensely.
His hands carefully wrapped around the small figure. Even as he lifted Xion effortlessly into his embrace, the boy, who should have stiffened, should have widened those innocent eyes in fear or disbelief, remained muted.
Too quiet.
A muscle in his jaw ticked. He exhaled slowly, forcing restraint over the dark impulse curling in his chest.
"B-Brother said not to touch him. A-and not to come close."
Darius's gaze flickered downward.
Noxian stood rooted in place, his tiny fists clenched at his sides. His dark eyes shimmered with unconcealed worry.
"I... I kept calling him. I shook him, but he wouldn't wake up," Noxian almost bit his tongue as he hastily told what little whispers he had heard.