A subtle tension settled over the courtyard as the older boy's voice cut through the lingering warmth, drawing every gaze toward him, including Damon's, as he stood there with a guarded posture, his small frame belying the firmness in his stance, his dark brown hair slightly unkempt and his expression far too serious for someone his age, making it clear that although he might have been only ten or eleven, he carried himself with a caution shaped by something deeper than childish instinct.
His eyes remained fixed on Damon, wary and untrusting, as he spoke again, his tone steady despite the slight tremor beneath it.
"Even he must covet our home… stay away from him… he is just another bad guy."
Damon's brows furrowed slightly at the words, not out of offense, but out of mild curiosity, as the children around them shifted uneasily, glancing at one another before looking back at Damon, their earlier excitement now mixed with hesitation.
