As the morning sunlight spilled into the bedroom through the sheer curtains, Valen stood in front of the mirror, calmly adjusting his tie. His expression remained unreadable as he got ready for work, every movement carrying the same effortless elegance that seemed to define him.

Then the sharp ring of his phone broke the silence, drawing his attention away from the mirror. He walked over to the bedside table, glanced at the caller ID, it was his brother, he answered the call.