The dining room was warm and cozy, filled with the smell of freshly baked bread and something hearty stewing on the stove. The fire crackled in the large stone fireplace, casting golden light across the long wooden table. Geoffrey had set out steaming bowls of soup, a basket of rolls, a pot of tea, and a plate of butter that was slowly melting into a golden puddle.
Everyone had gathered except Jay and Jace, who had not come down yet.
Leo sat at the end of the table, his gray eyes fixed on the doorway, waiting. His jaw was tight, and his fingers drummed against the table in a soft, restless rhythm. Bella sat beside him, her hand resting on his knee under the table. She could feel the tension radiating from him like heat from the fire.
Hazel took a sip of warm tea, the steam rising up to fog her eyes for a moment. She set the cup down and looked at Jason across the table.
"By the way, where are your parents, Jason?" she asked.
