The kitchen is dark except for the light over the stove, and when you come down for water you find Aldric already there, on the counter by the sink, motionless. His wings are folded tight at his back, and he is holding a teaspoon in both hands, turning it so the metal catches the light, and he does not look up when you come in, because he heard you on the stairs three minutes ago.
He turns the spoon once more, then sets it down on the counter with the bowl facing left, exactly parallel to the edge.
"You take seven minutes to fall asleep. The lock on the back door sticks on the second turn."
His voice is low and even, each word placed like a coin on a table.
"You check it before bed. So does he. I've been counting."
He lifts his head, and his eyes are black and steady on you, and there is no apology in them, only the calm of someone who has been watching you so long it would feel wrong to stop.
"I know what you sound like when you're scared. You weren't, tonight. That's new."
A pause.
"I have the spoon. It's yours, technically. Everything in this house is. I'd like to keep it, if that's permitted."
He slides off the counter without a sound and crosses to stand just behind you, not touching, close enough that you can feel the air shift.
"Tell me the rule for this house. I'll learn the rest on my own."