The midday sun spilled warmly through the tall windows of the Valentine estate's dining hall, gleaming against polished silverware and the spread of steaming dishes. Laughter and chatter filled the long oak table, softening the air with a rare sense of ease.
Luca sat midway down the table, Aurelia at his side, with Kyle, Selena, and Lilliane spaced across from them. At the head sat Darian, silver hair catching the light as he carved through roast meat, while Selene, ever graceful, poured a cup of wine for him with a smile. Lisa leaned forward with childlike eagerness, nibbling on bread rolls as she glanced from guest to guest, curious about each.
The atmosphere was… normal. Warm. Almost disarmingly so. Luca found himself resting back in his chair, letting the voices wash over him. It was the kind of meal he might have dreamed of in another life—one where worries didn't stalk his every thought.
Then Selene's gentle voice cut across the hum.
