Catching up

As they reached the dining room, Gryphon pushed the heavy oak doors open with ease. "After you," he said, gesturing with a playful bow.

Inside, the dining table stretched long enough to seat twenty, but the family naturally gathered towards one end.

The Vanthar dining hall exuded an inviting warmth, with magical fires flickering in sconces along the walls and the faint hum of activity in the background as the kitchen staff prepared the meal.

Everard pulled out a chair for Egelina, his movements gentle, while Gryphon slid into a seat with his usual ease. Lassim hesitated a moment, but fell back into the same routine that he followed as a child, taking the seat closest to his mother.