The gates closed behind them with a soft thud, sealing Luca's first step into the so-called "home." The courtyard was lined with trimmed hedges and white-stone lanterns glowing faintly in the twilight. The scent of jasmine lingered in the summer air as Vincent pushed the front door open.
Inside stood two figures awaiting them. A dignified woman in her mid-forties, graceful and elegant, with long dark violet hair tied back in a neat bun and eyes that mirrored Luca's own—crimson and piercing. Beside her stood a young girl, barely fourteen or fifteen, with silver hair cascading down her shoulders and a delicate face glowing with excitement and tears.
Luca didn't need to be told. He knew instantly—this was his mother and sister.
He braced himself, mentally steeling his nerves. Alright… let's do this.
But before he could even open his mouth, a blur dashed forward. The silver-haired girl threw herself at him with a cry, burying her face in his chest.
