Owen gestured toward Cayden. “Carl, his mom? Is he... a minor?”

“Nah,” Carl replied, shaking his head. “He’s 33... ish? His health makes things tricky, though. And his mom’s... clingy.” Carl gave Owen a knowing nod before adding, “I’ll be back—bio break.”

Owen watched Carl’s stocky frame disappear, then turned his attention to Cayden. The younger man’s glasses sat slightly askew, his pale face peaceful in sleep. Owen had always made a point to know the standout players in Goblins & Guillotines, but Cayden—LeapingLizard—was in a league of his own. Owen could still recall the countless late nights spent watching Cayden’s streams, marveling at his unconventional brilliance. Seeing him here, slumped in a chair and vulnerable, was... jarring.

“LeapingLizard,” Owen muttered softly, the name stirring nostalgia and something close to admiration. “You’re not what I expected.”

He slipped off Cayden’s glasses, placing them gently on the table. “You need more rest, huh?” Owen said quietly, noting the deep circles beneath Cayden’s eyes.

Cayden stirred, his fingers flexing as if reaching for something. Owen chuckled softly. “See? Even asleep, you agree. You can’t be your best on no sleep.”

Nettie appeared with Cayden’s bag, ribbons still dangling from her sleeves. “Got his stuff. Anything else?”

“Nope, that’s all we need for now.” Owen sniffed the air, frowning slightly. “Do you smell something?”

Nettie leaned in, took a quick whiff, and smirked. “Nothing odd—just you, stinky alpha,” she teased, though her gaze flicked briefly to Cayden before she left, ribbons fluttering behind her.

Owen rolled his eyes. “You’re an alpha too, Nettie!” He glanced at Cayden’s bag again, sniffing once more. “Hmm. It’s... nice,” he murmured, the faint scent pulling at something intangible, a thread he couldn’t yet name.

A harpy descended upon the event hall—not the kind from Goblins & Guillotines, but no less terrifying. The doors swung open, and Mrs. McMathan marched in, her broad figure cutting through the crowd with purpose, her voice already cutting through the chatter like a battle cry.

“I knew he didn’t need to come to this preposterous event!” she declared, her voice rising above the hum of chatter. “Where is that so-called friend of his? Carl, where are you? He promised to watch over him! Honestly, I can’t depend on anyone to do anything properly!” She gestured dismissively at the entire event as though it were a personal affront.

IEatHands and SnakeEyes flinched in unison. They’d been on the receiving end of Mrs. McMathan’s rants enough times to know better than to engage. Her instructions to “look after her little boy” always came with a side of guilt-tripping and implied incompetence.

IEatHands glanced at SnakeEyes with a mix of pity and resignation. They both knew Cayden deserved better than a life spent under her thumb.

She spotted Cayden resting on the couch and made a beeline for him, her voice dropping into an exaggerated tone of worry. “Cayden! Look at you. What did I say about pushing yourself? Honestly, if I weren’t here—” She paused mid-rant, her gaze flicking to the man kneeling beside her son. Her sharpness wavered, just slightly, at the sight of Owen.

Owen rose to his full height, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to her storm. “Mrs. McMathan,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “I’m Owen Elledge, creator of Goblins & Guillotines. Cayden’s been resting, and our staff made sure he was comfortable. He’s safe.”

Mrs. McMathan hesitated, clearly caught off-guard by his composed and respectful tone. “Well... that’s all well and good, but he shouldn’t have been in this position to begin with. These events are too much for him.”

“Understandable,” Owen said, nodding. “But Cayden’s contributions to the tournament have been remarkable. He’s one of the best players we’ve seen, and it’s clear he puts a lot of heart into what he does.” His words carried a weight of sincerity, enough to make Mrs. McMathan pause.

Cayden stirred on the couch, his eyes fluttering open. “Glasses,” he mumbled groggily, reaching out blindly. A hand pressed them into his palm—large, warm, and steady. He pushed them onto his face, and the world came into focus. Boss E’s face was inches away, his green eyes full of concern. Cayden’s heart skipped a beat. Too close. Too handsome.

“Hey,” Owen said softly, his voice low and soothing, as he crouched back next to him. “How are you feeling?”

Cayden blinked, his cheeks flushing pink as he processed the surreal moment. “Uh... fine? I think?”

“Cayden,” his mother said, her tone softening as she brushed his hair back, “We’re leaving. You’ve had enough excitement for one day.”

Owen stepped back, giving them space but still addressing Mrs. McMathan with his easy charm. “It’s a shame to see him go so soon, but his well-being is what matters most. If there’s anything we can do to make his exit smoother, just let me know.”

Mrs. McMathan, clearly still flustered, gave Owen a curt nod. “Thank you. We’ll be fine.” She glanced down at Cayden, already helping him sit up. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

Cayden glanced at Owen briefly, his expression a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. Owen offered him a small smile, murmuring, “Take care, LeapingLizard.”

As they made their way out, Mrs. McMathan turned back one last time, her expression softening ever so slightly. “Thank you... Mr. Elledge.”

Owen nodded, watching them go before letting out a long breath. He’d weathered the storm—for now.