The warmth of the kitchen still clung to Samantha's skin long after the last traces of mustard-related bickering faded. Lunch finished, dishes stacked, and James ushered upstairs to take a break, the energy in the Sanctum shifted. Not darker—just different. Quieter. As if the universe itself had paused, giving their newly strengthened bond a moment to settle.
Nova had fallen asleep on Linda's shoulder, tiny fingers curled around the collar of her grandmother's shirt. Sage—who slipped into the room like a whisper—gently took the baby into her arms. The guardian moved with the fluid stillness of moving water, ancient and serene. Her appearance always came with a sense of safety, a calm older than every supernatural species in the house combined.
Kai stretched. "Okay. Crisis avoided. Sandwich consumed. Mustard forgiven. What's next on the family itinerary?"
Linda snapped her fingers. "Oh! The invitation."
Marcus turned. "Invitation? What invitation?"
