After a while, the food was finally served, and the group gathered around the dining table. Plates clattered, and the warm aroma of the meal filled the room.
Armand sat at the head of the table with Felicia beside him, still glancing occasionally at him with a soft smile. Leo and Levi were across from each other, playfully nudging each other between bites, occasionally making silly remarks that had the others laughing.
Of course it's always them making stupid comments. Unserious couple.
Laila slid into the seat beside Alaric, leaning just slightly toward him. He stiffened the moment she sat down, his knife pausing mid-air as if he wasn't sure whether to eat or stay alert.
"Relax," she whispered, brushing her fingers lightly over his arm. "It's just dinner."
Alaric exhaled through his nose, trying to calm himself, but his eyes kept flicking to her, sharp.
"Just… don't make this harder than it already is," he muttered under his breath.
