The crackle of the bonfire punctuated the night air as laughter and conversation flowed among the gathered guests. Lucas Sterling tossed another log onto the flames, causing sparks to dance upward like fireflies.
"The stew is almost ready," he announced, stirring the large pot suspended over one side of the fire. "And the chicken should be perfect in about ten minutes."
Vivienne Dubois sat elegantly on a log bench, her cashmere shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She swirled the wine in her glass, watching as Cora chased a few other children around the perimeter of the gathering.
"Cora, darling," Vivienne called out. "Be careful not to get too close to the fire."
Cora immediately slowed down, shooting Vivienne an adoring smile. "I won't!"
Lucas looked around at the group and frowned slightly. "Shouldn't we invite Elara down? I noticed she's not here."
A brief silence fell over the adults. Cora's face scrunched up in displeasure.