"I'm glad to hear that," Apollo said softly. "Now that your brother is here, you don't have to be afraid. Whatever's troubling you, just tell me, I'll take care of it." His hand came to rest on Ashley's head again, gentle and reassuring as he gave it a light pat.
The words he said were familiar; she had heard the same promises before from Nathan, Blake, and even Brent, but somehow, this felt different. When Apollo said it, there was a warmth that spread quietly through her chest, steady and real.
It wasn't just comfort; it was something deeper, something that settled into her bones. Perhaps, without realizing it, she had already begun to accept that Apollo and the others were truly her brothers.
That the bond between them wasn't just words, but something rooted in blood, quietly making itself known.
