Gathering

She swallowed hard, her resolve steadying as she kept her eyes locked on him. And then there was Emberly, lounging with a casual elegance that only she could pull off. She smiled knowingly, her eyes glittering with mischief as she observed the interplay of emotions around her.

It was clear she was enjoying the moment, her amusement tempered by the pride she felt for her son. She noted every flicker of longing, curiosity, and hope in the room, storing it away with a satisfaction that bordered on smugness.

As the group settled, the unspoken tension thickened, each gaze telling its own story.

Pyris stood at the head of the dining table, his usual confident demeanor softened by a genuine smile. "I'm sorry for keeping you all waiting," he said, his voice carrying warmth that filled the grand dining hall. "Let's not waste any more time. Dinner's ready."