The house had only three bedrooms. One belonged to John and Maki, who were still struggling to secure a place of their own in the expensive city. Another was chosen by Evangeline and, now, little Runa who clung to her warmth. The last room was naturally shared by Ryuzen and Venus.
Evangeline noticed it, of course. She saw the way her daughter leaned into Ryuzen's presence, and how he instinctively placed himself beside her as if they had always belonged together. But she said nothing. She was an understanding woman, and she knew her daughter was no longer a child. Venus was grown, capable of making her own choices.
Still, as a mother, her heart felt both tender and heavy. She was glad—truly glad—that Venus had found someone she could trust with her whole being. Yet at the same time, she could not help but think of her late husband.
Versalon…
