16

The dining table was ablaze with tension, the dim, ethereal glow of the Moonlight City's luminescent orbs casting an eerie light.

Drake, serene at the head, surveyed his loved ones. Lucas, radiant beside him, sipped a rich, bold red wine.

Xander focused on Charlie, feeding him with tender care. Charlie's laughter and giggles filled the air, oblivious to the undercurrents.

Cloud seethed across from them, his thoughts a maelstrom of resentment.

"That should be me," Cloud's mind repeated, "being fed, cherished, sitting next to the Prince... Not Charlie."

Elijah's gaze turned venomous, his eyes locked on Xander.

"How dare he," Elijah thought, "treat Charlie like he's his to keep? He stole what's mine."

The air thickened with unspoken threats.

Lucas, sensing the strain, placed a calming hand on Drake's arm.

Drake's gentle squeeze reassured him.

Charlie, basking in Xander's attention, remained blissfully unaware.

Breakfast progressed, the tension palpable.

Xander's whispers to Charlie were a stark contrast to the icy silence between the others.

"More pancakes, Baby?"

Charlie's nod sparked Xander's warm smile.

Cloud's anger boiled over.

Elijah's fists clenched.

The breakfast table had become a powder keg.

Charlie sat alone in the room, playing with the toys Xander had left for him. Suddenly, a knock echoed through the door.

Charlie's heart skipped a beat as he approached the door, hesitancy etched on his face.

He opened it to find Cloud standing before him, his piercing gaze sending shivers down Charlie's spine.

Fear crept into Charlie's eyes, his breath catching in his throat. Memories of the Silver Market's whispers resurfaced.

Cloud, the favored Petit man, notorious for his beauty and ruthlessness.

Rumors swirled of his wrath, where others suffered punishment in his stead.

Charlie's instincts screamed warning.

Cloud's gaze intensified, his eyes roving over Charlie's fragile form.

Charlie's face paled, his lips trembling.

He wanted to call out for Daddy, to hide from the intimidating figure before him.

But his voice caught, silenced by fear.

Cloud's presence seemed to fill the room, suffocating Charlie.

The air thickened with tension.

Charlie's eyes welled up with tears.

One wrong move could shatter the fragile calm.

Cloud's gaze lingered, his expression unreadable.

Charlie's tiny hands clenched into fists.

The silence stretched.

Charlie's heart pounded.

Fear consumed him.

Cloud's gaze pierced Charlie, his voice dripping venom.

"Pathetic," Cloud sneered. "I wonder why Prince Xander loves something as useless and pathetic as you."

Charlie's eyes widened, fear creeping in.

"Look at you," Cloud continued, "apart from crying and clinging to Prince Xander, what else do you offer?"

Charlie's face crumpled, tears welling up.

Cloud's words cut deep, slicing Charlie's fragile confidence.

"How can you even stand being near the Prince?" Cloud taunted. "You're a burden, a weight holding him back."

Charlie's lips trembled, his voice barely audible.

"Don't say that..."

Cloud's laughter was cold, cruel.

"Face reality, little Petit. You're nothing without Prince Xander's pity."

Charlie's tears spilled over, his body shaking.

Cloud's eyes flashed with anger.

"Shut up, you thing!" Cloud screamed, his face inches from Charlie's.

Charlie recoiled, terrified.

"Leave my man alone! Do you hear me?" Cloud roared.

Cloud's fingers gripped Charlie's cheeks, squeezing hard.

"And don't tell Prince Xander I talked to you. Do you understand?"

Charlie nodded, tears streaming down his face.

Cloud released Charlie, spinning on his heel.

The door slammed shut behind Cloud, leaving Charlie shattered.