Sierra was within a few feet of her room when she saw Drake standing at her bedroom door. The muted hallways, lit by wall fixtures made of iron, spelter, or red brass, cast delicate light on him. Excited with expectation, she approached him, wanting to rake her hand through his thick hair.
"Kyle did much better at dinner tonight," Sierra remarked, gently biting her lip. "I don't think I've ever seen him so well mannered. You seem to have a way with him."
Drake nodded along as she spoke. "I hope that he doesn't resent me after today." Drake knew he hadn't been easy on Kyle, but he wanted to set an excellent example for him. Sierra shouldn't worry herself over Kyle. Drake would do what he could to help her shoulder the burden of looking after her brother.
"Perhaps Kyle will despise you on
