Even so , Xander still beckoned him over . Zachary hurried forward and offered his hand . Xander's wrinkled fingers rested on Zachary's wrist ; after a moment , his expression grew grave . " You've made it this far , young man - your family must've spent a small fortune on you . You've got a precious life . " " We did spend quite a bit in the early years , " Zachary answered politely , the stiffness in his posture betraying his nerves . Xander released his hand and called out , " Six . " A boy of about fourteen or fifteen came running from the back room . " What is it now , Master ? If you're looking for more snacks , I'm warning you - if Alessia finds out I bought them for you again , she'll have my head …" Six was still rambling when he suddenly came face - to - face with Alessia's unimpressed , half - smiling gaze . He swallowed hard and turned awkwardly away . A hand clamped down on his shoulder . With his back to Alessia , Six looked ready to burst into tears , but when he turned around , he'd already plastered on a sycophantic grin . " Oh , look who's here - the one and only , breathtakingly gorgeous Miss Alessia Tate ! The fairest of them all , the radiant beauty who shames the moon and outshines the stars . " The sudden shift in tone made Zachary press his lips together to hide a laugh , while Alessia just rolled her eyes and reached out to pinch his ear . " Ow , ow , ow ! I'm sorry , Lessie , I'm sorry , I swear ! " Six yelped so loudly that a stranger might've thought she was torturing him . In reality , Alessia wasn't even pinching that hard . " That's enough - keep yelling and you'll go deaf , " Alessia said , giving his head a light swat . " I'll let the snack thing slide for now ." At her words , Six immediately dropped his act and grinned from ear to ear . Xander ignored their antics , clearly used to the chaos . He gestured again , and Six straightened up , put on a respectful air , and hurried to his side with a slight bow . " Six , get everything ready . " 1/3 15:37 Chapter 23 " Yes , sir . " Gone was the jokester - Six responded crisply and set off to do his task without delay . As Xander made to stand , Alessia immediately stepped in to help him . Joking around was one thing , but respect and proper manners were never optional . Zachary took it all in , then lowered his eyes , a fleeting look of disappointment crossing his face as some memory stirred . " Zachary . " Alessia , steadying Xander as they entered the next room , glanced back to see Zachary still standing where she'd left him . Shaken from his reverie , Zachary quickly masked his expression with a smile and followed them . They crossed the house to the courtyard , where Six was already waiting by a door . When he saw Xander , he stepped forward and took over for Alessia , helping the old man inside . The room was filled with a faint herbal aroma - not bitter , but soothing , almost refreshing. Zachary breathed it in , liking the scent , lost in thought . Alessia glanced at him but said nothing . " Sit . Give me your hand ." Xander's tone was all business now , a far cry from earlier . Alessia and Six stood quietly on either side , their playfulness gone , replaced by a respectful silence . The room was calm , the air thick with the gentle scent of herbs . Xander asked a series of questions , and Zachary answered each one . Occasionally , Xander would direct a question at Six ; if Six was stumped , Alessia would chime in with the answer . The atmosphere grew unexpectedly serious . Six's nervousness became more obvious , while Alessia remained cool and collected . Every now and then , she'd arch an eyebrow at Six , her expression openly challenging . Zachary noticed their silent exchange but only smiled faintly , saying nothing . " Six . " " Yes ? " Six answered , tense , expecting another question . " Look at you - so easily rattled . You should learn from Alessia . She could answer just as well as you do now when she was half your age . " Xander's words made Alessia shoot Six a smug grin . Six glared back , sulking but unable to argue . 2/3 15:37 Chapter 23 " Write out all the questions you couldn't answer today . Bring them to me tomorrow . " Yes , sir . " Six wilted like a scolded puppy , his tone subdued , but he didn't dare protest .