'More and More Nightmares'

Lucius didn't expect the forgiveness to come so quickly—if at all. When Florian spoke, it wasn't the sharp reprimand he'd prepared himself for, nor the cold dismissal he feared.

"I'll let it go," Florian said, his voice measured but firm. "But don't make me regret it, Lucius."

Lucius blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You mean it?" he asked, his tone careful, almost disbelieving.

Florian's gaze didn't waver, though the edges of his exhaustion were beginning to show. "I don't have the time or energy to waste on grudges," he replied plainly. "There's too much to do before tomorrow. Now, are you going to help or not?"

The question was rhetorical, and Lucius didn't bother answering with words. He only nodded, following as Florian moved briskly to the next task.