with a sense of poise and rationality

LOREN

Loren looked awful, but he felt worse on the outside. Even Astra's gentle presence wasn't enough to lift him from the darkness he'd sunk into once again. At least he was keeping himself busy with work, making sure people were fed, healthy, and safe.

But even so, there were things he needed to do. People he needed to see, no matter how much they might want to curse his name right now. So, clutching a bottle of wine in one hand and a trashy romance he'd salvaged from the ruins of the Palace in the other, he made his way to the room Neron was being held.

Entering, the healer stopped for a minute, hesitating on the threshold. Then he felt tears prickle his eyes, and he made his way towards his brother. Knowing it was probably a mistake, Loren tried to wrap his arms around Neron for a tight hug.

But don’t be weary if it’s broken

Families are like that—

they’re split up and always torn.