At Crestvale Manor, the flickering light from tall candelabras danced across the grand dining room. Serena von Crestvale sat at the head of the long table, her posture regal despite the weariness that softened her sharp features. Alden von Crestvale and Alicia von Crestvale flanked her, each picking at dinner in silence.
A quiet tension filled the air. The fourth chair — always set out, always waiting — remained empty.
Serena's voice finally broke the silence as she glanced at the vacant spot. "She didn't come out to eat again, did she?"
Alicia, her gaze low and words tinged with sadness, answered, "She still can't get over Uncle Edward's death. She hasn't been eating for days, mom. At this rate, she'll get sick…"
A shadow passed over Serena's face. Alden nodded in agreement, the scrape of his fork loud in the hush that followed. "Edward's passing hit her harder than we thought."
