The long dining hall of the Sky House shimmered with golden light, reflecting off the hanging ore-lamps above. The table was full — steam rising from roasted grains, fire-baked roots, and glazed meat. Cups clinked. Spoons clattered.
Noa sat quietly, still a bit sore from training.
Lyric, however, had clearly recovered.
"Rowan," he said, pointing his fork across the table, "what exactly do you eat to stay that grumpy?"
Rowan didn't look up. "Discipline."
"Does it taste like regret and salt?" Lyric added.
Vareth, seated at the far end, coughed to hide a laugh.
Kirell shook her head, smiling. "Lyric, let your brother eat."
"But I'm trying to understand him, Gran. I've lived in the same house for years and I still don't know if he feels emotions or just pretends to be human."
"I feel the urge to throw my plate," Rowan muttered.
Lyric leaned toward Noa. "See? Emotion. That's progress."
Noa stifled a laugh behind his cup.
Vareth leaned forward, gesturing with his spoon. "You know, back in the early days of the realm, siblings used to resolve arguments with wooden spoons and foot races."
"See?" Lyric said. "Now we just weaponize sarcasm."
Rowan raised an eyebrow. "I can still spar after dinner."
"Woah, woah," Lyric held his hands up. "I only spar with emotionally unstable strangers or when food is promised."
"You're in luck," Kirell said. "There's still pudding left."
Lyric beamed. "I would fight a mountain for pudding."
The table burst into quiet laughter.
Kirell looked around at her family, her eyes warm but watchful.
"You boys grow taller and louder every week," she said softly. "I still remember when all three of you couldn't sit still without knocking over a cup."
"We still can't," Vareth muttered as Lyric nearly elbowed a pitcher off the table.
"I'm just adding drama to the scene," Lyric whispered.
Dinner continued with light jokes and echoes of warmth. Even Rowan, by the end, had a relaxed look on his face.
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✦ Nightfall — Chambers of the Sky House
After dinner, the brothers walked down the candle-lit hall.
"I think Father was impressed today," Noa said quietly.
"He didn't say it," Lyric replied.
"He never does," Rowan added. "But he was."
They split off — Rowan turning toward the soldier's wing, Noa and Lyric toward their side of the house.
Kirell stood by the far wall, watching them go, a soft smile on her face.
"Sleep well, my stars," she said.
"Night, Gran," Lyric called back.
"Night," Noa echoed, quieter.
The lights dimmed slowly as the house grew silent.
Tomorrow would be another storm — but for tonight, there was peace.
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