The golden afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of the annex mansion as Klaus stepped into its familiar halls. The faint scent of polished wood and fresh lilies filled the air, a subtle yet comforting reminder of the home he had come to know so well. Dudu trailed behind him, his tiny claws clicking softly against the marble floor. The baby dragon had tired himself out after their sparring session and now waddled sleepily, occasionally glancing up at Klaus as if to ask when he could nap.
Klaus was content to let the silence linger as he made his way to his room. The staff of the annex mansion moved efficiently, bowing slightly as he passed, though their eyes carried a subtle warmth—an unspoken acknowledgment of the boy who had not only survived immense challenges but had thrived despite them. Klaus noticed their gazes but did not linger on them. He had grown accustomed to the way people looked at him, a mixture of awe and curiosity that he neither welcomed nor despised.
