Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

While Zatariel scrubbed every grimy corner of the boys' comfort room at the DSDWD facility, the detainees behind him made sure his job wasn't easy.

A few lounged by the doorway, watching the spectacle like it was free entertainment. Some laughed. Others tossed used tissues and snack wrappers onto the freshly cleaned floor, curious to see how long it would take before he snapped.

One boy smirked.

"Hey, pretty boy," he called. "You missed a spot."

Zatariel didn't even look up from the sink he was scrubbing.

"Touch that faucet again," he said calmly, "and I'll mop your face next."

The boy backed away with a nervous laugh.

The others snickered, but none of them stepped closer to the sink again.

—

Meanwhile, inside the facility office, Zaren Wov sat across from the warden, studying several renovation plans spread across the desk.

The blueprints showed new plumbing lines, tiled floors, and three additional comfort rooms.

The warden raised an eyebrow.

"You're serious about this?" he asked. "Three new CRs and a whole separate building just for cleaning supplies?"

Zaren nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"That boy out there can't eat if a spoon is out of place," he said. "If you're going to punish him, you might as well let his compulsions be useful."

The warden chuckled and leaned back in his chair.

"He's got this place cleaner than it's been in years. Even the staff noticed." He shook his head, amused. "Honestly, it's impressive."

"Just don't tell him that," Zaren replied with a grin. "He'll quit."

"Understood," the warden said, laughing.

Zaren tapped one of the renovation plans thoughtfully.

"I'll also send hygiene kits and cleaning supplies every month," he added. "But keep it quiet. No press. No gossip."

The warden blinked in surprise. "Why the secrecy?"

"Zatariel hates attention," Zaren said simply. "He's not doing this to look good. He's doing it because he can't stand filth."

He paused, then added dryly, "It's not charity—it's survival instinct."

The two men shared a knowing laugh.

"Discreet support," the warden said with a nod. "Got it."

—

 Zaren stepped out to check on his son—just in time to hear Zatariel arguing with a mop.

"Why do you bend this way?! Who designed you?! A sadist?!"

Zaren raised an eyebrow. "You okay over there?"

Zatariel straightened, red-faced and drenched in sweat.

"This mop is evil," he declared. "Also, someone peed on the floor again. I am this close to putting up a 'Don't Be an Animal' sign."

Zaren clapped a hand on his shoulder. "You're doing good work."

Then he stepped aside and pulled out his phone, dialing a secure line.

"Pres," he said when the call connected. "I think the DSDWD just got its best janitor."

President Ashel Dom laughed on the other end. "Zatariel? You're joking."