Dinner at the Kael household was never quiet.But tonight?It was war.
Selene sat at the large polished table between Karn and Lyra, with Aryn directly across from her. Their parents sat at the head, looking far too amused at the chaos brewing.
"Pass the bread," Selene said politely.Before Karn could reach it, Lyra snatched it and grinned. "You sure you want bread? I mean, if you eat too much, you'll be full before dessert."Selene tilted her head. "And dessert is…?""Watching Karn squirm," Lyra said sweetly.
Karn shot her a look. "Really?""Yep," Lyra replied. "I've been waiting for this moment all day."
Aryn leaned back, smirking like the devil's apprentice. "So, Selene… has Karn told you about the time he—""Nope. Don't," Karn warned, pointing a fork."—fell into the river naked because he thought he could wrestle a fish," Aryn finished without missing a beat.
Selene's golden eyes widened, then she laughed — a warm, melodic laugh that made Karn want to melt and disappear under the table."You what?" she asked, covering her mouth."It was a dare," Karn muttered."It was stupidity," Lyra corrected.
Selene turned toward him with a teasing smile. "You didn't win, did you?"Karn sighed. "…No. The fish won."
Even their mother was chuckling now, shaking her head. "Honestly, Karn, you've done stranger things.""Like what?" Selene asked eagerly."Mom!" Karn groaned."Oh, like the time he tried to impress a girl by jumping from the roof to the garden," she said, ignoring him. "Broke the fence. And the girl's sandal."
Selene was nearly crying from laughter now. "I'm starting to think I've made the right choice… you'll never be boring."
Karn tried to change the subject. "Selene, maybe you should talk about yourself for a bit—""No, no," Lyra interrupted. "We're just getting to the good stuff. Like his secret notebook—"Karn froze. "Lyra. Don't.""What secret notebook?" Selene asked, curious.Lyra smirked. "The one where he wrote—""That's it!" Karn stood up, reaching for her, but Lyra darted behind their father for protection, laughing like a maniac.
Selene placed a gentle hand on Karn's arm. "It's okay. I think I like knowing all of this. Makes you more… real."
And in that moment, between the laughter, the roasting, and the clinking of plates, Karn realized something.Selene wasn't just visiting his home — she belonged here.
Aryn raised his glass. "To Selene — welcome to the madhouse."Everyone laughed and joined the toast, even Karn, though his ears were still bright red.