The first rays of dawn stretched across the courtyard, their golden hue catching on the grand Valentine mansion. Its tall spires glimmered faintly, and the morning dew still clung to the roses along the path, their fragrance soft in the cool air.
Luca stood a little straighter, though he couldn't help but feel oddly self-conscious as his mother's graceful figure lingered beside him. It was time for introductions.
He glanced back at his group of friends. The first to step forward—hesitantly—was Lilliane. She clasped her hands in front of her, knuckles tightening until they were white, and lowered her head. Her gaze never quite met Selene's, lingering instead on the polished marble beneath her feet.
"L–Lilliane Fairmoore… daughter of Count Fairmoore. It's an honor to meet you." Her voice trembled, soft as a whisper carried on the wind.
