"Bad luck to die young?" Norton frowned skeptically. "Well, that's not exactly reassuring."

Quentin also shot Silas a questioning look. "You're not planning on dying young, are you? What's Callie supposed to do if you... pass away?"

Silas was quiet for a moment, his eyes flickering between them. "I'm not sure I'd call it dying young," he finally said. "I'm pretty healthy. Even if I did, I've got enough for Callie to be taken care of. And she could always move on, find someone else."

He shrugged, almost nonchalantly. "I wouldn't mind if she found happiness again. But right now, I can give her that, and that's what matters. I want to be with her. And even if I'm gone, I'll be looking out for her."

The look in Silas's eyes betrayed his determination to keep Calliope in his life.

Julius looked uncertain, fiddling with his sleeve. "Maybe I messed up the numbers," he muttered. "Could've been a glitch in the reading. Might be a false alarm." He shook his head. "Anyway, I'm not always accurate. Who knows if you'll die early? You're talented and wealthy, and likely to stay that way. And honestly, Callie doesn't need your money. She's doing fine. But if you really love her, just treat her right."

"I know," Silas said, his gaze unwavering. "I'll give her everything I can."

The three men weren't entirely convinced, but Silas's resolve seemed to satisfy them for the moment. They chatted a bit longer, until it was nearly midnight.

Quentin stretched and yawned. "Alright, fellas, bedtime."

He went to Calliope's room to inform her of their plan.

Calliope blinked, clearly confused. "Wait, what? You're all sleeping together? We have plenty of guest rooms. Why cram four grown men into one bed?" She couldn't imagine Mr. Myers being pleased with the arrangement.

The thought of four men in one king-sized bed made her shudder. Even she found it excessive.

"I know," Quentin admitted. "But he agreed. Besides, we can talk more later. Callie, you're okay with this, right?"

"He agreed?" Calliope stared, incredulous. She'd expected Silas to refuse immediately.

"He's fine with it, or I wouldn't have asked," Quentin said. "We want your blessing, though. If you're uncomfortable, we'll cancel the whole thing."

"I mean... as long as he's okay with it, it's fine by me." She tried to suppress a laugh, picturing the scene. She suspected their motives: Norton's hypnosis skills, the hope of eliciting secrets during sleep. They were trying to protect her. She understood their intentions.

"Alright, Callie, we're going to bed. You should get some rest, too."

"Yeah, I will. Night, Quentin."

Silas joined the brothers in Quentin's room—the largest. They prepared for bed. Quentin patted the bed. "Silas, you get the spot between me and Norton."