The moon hung high in the sky, casting silver light across the quiet village. The warm glow from the windows of their new home flickered gently behind Liora as she stepped out onto the porch, the cool night breeze brushing against her long silver hair.
She'd just tucked Aria into bed after a full day of settling in and registering at the guild. The little one had dozed off mid-sentence, curled up in her new bed like a kitten.
Outside, Liora found Tessa sitting alone on the small bench beside the garden path, her arms hugged around her knees, eyes turned to the stars.
"Tessa," Liora called softly.
The younger girl turned quickly, blinking. "Oh… I didn't wake you, did I?"
"No, just wanted a breath of air," Liora replied, walking over. She noticed the subtle shake in Tessa's shoulders, the way her face was turned away.
Liora sat beside her, folding her arms over her chest. "Something's bothering you."
Tessa hesitated before speaking, her voice quiet, almost lost to the wind. "Back at the guild... when I said it's not like we're a real family…"
Liora tilted her head. "You didn't mean it."
"I didn't," Tessa said quickly, her voice cracking. "I didn't mean it like that. I was just… I saw how you and Aria share the same last name, and I realized I'm the only one who doesn't. I felt like… like I wasn't really part of it. Like I'm just a guest."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she clenched her fists.
"I'm sorry for saying something so dumb... I just didn't know how to ask."
Liora's expression softened. She let out a long breath and reached over, resting a hand gently on Tessa's shoulder.
"I didn't know it was bothering you," she said gently. "You should have told me sooner."
Tessa wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her tunic, trying to hide her trembling lip.
Liora smiled, soft and warm. "If you want to be part of this family… fully, completely, I'll take you to the town hall myself. Just like I did with Aria."
Tessa's eyes widened.
Liora nodded. "We'll fill out the adoption paperwork. If that's what you want."
Tessa couldn't speak at first. She threw her arms around Liora instead, burying her face in her chest, tears falling freely now.
"I do," she whispered. "I really do…"
Liora wrapped her arms around her, holding her close under the moonlight.
"You've been part of this family in every way that matters, Tessa," she said softly. "Now we'll just make it official."