The common hall of the residence was unusually alive.
Usually, this space was reserved for grim tactical briefings and silent, hurried meals. But tonight, Felix had taken over the kitchen. This was, objectively, a terrible idea.
"Why is it smoking? Is it supposed to be that color?" Leo asked, peering suspiciously at a pot that was bubbling with far more aggression than any soup should possess.
"It's supposed to do that," Felix replied cheerfully, stirring with far more enthusiasm than technique. He flicked a stray lock of hair out of his eyes with a flour-covered hand. "It means the flavor is becoming… concentrated."
Kai stood nearby with his arms crossed, his brow furrowed as he watched the stove. He looked torn between the urge to step in and save the kitchen and the rare desire to just trust Felix's process.
Ember watched the scene from the doorway with open amusement, while Melissa sat at the table, wrapped in a light shawl. She looked more relaxed than she had in days, the color finally returning to her cheeks.
"If this explodes," Ember said calmly, "I'm blaming House Ronan. I'll put it in my official report."
Felix gasped, clutching his wooden spoon to his chest. "Betrayal! In my own kitchen!"
Kai finally sighed and moved closer, gently placing his hand over Felix's on the handle of the spoon to slow the frantic stirring.
"You're burning the base, Felix. Lower the heat."
Felix blinked, looking down. "Oh. Right. Heat."
Leo laughed. It wasn't a polite, royal chuckle; it was a loud, genuine sound with no restraint. "I like this place," he said, leaning against the counter. "People yell a lot less than I expected for a house of warriors."
Melissa smiled at that. "We're out of practice at being angry at each other."
They gathered around the long wooden table once the food was served. It was… edible. Mostly. The edges of the bread were charred, and the soup had a kick that made Leo's eyes water, but no one complained.
Felix beamed as everyone took their first bite, his eyes darting from face to face.
Ember paused, swallowed, and then gave a slow, begrudging nod. "It's actually not bad, Felix. You might have a future in something other than poison."
Felix looked personally victorious. "I'll take that as a five-star review."
Melissa laughed softly, the sound surprising even herself. "It tastes like effort."
"The best seasoning there is," Felix said proudly.
Kai poured water for everyone without being asked, his movements automatic and familiar. When he handed a cup to Leo, the boy hesitated for a second before taking it.
"…Thank you," Leo said quietly.
Kai met his eyes, his expression softening. "You don't have to say it like you owe me, Leo. We're just eating."
Leo nodded, taking a sip. "I know. I just… I like that I can say it."
Something warm and steady settled over the table, more nourishing than the meal itself.
Later, as the plates were cleared, Ember leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed loosely. "You did well today, Leo," she said suddenly.
Leo frowned, looking confused. "I didn't do anything. I just watched Melissa's trial."
"You stayed," Melissa said gently from across the table. "In the Second Realm, when things get difficult, people usually run for cover or look for someone to blame. You stayed in the stands until the end. That counts for a lot."
Leo stared at his hands, his voice dropping. "No one ever said that to me before. 'Staying' was always just… a requirement."
Felix reached across the table and ruffled Leo's hair without thinking, ignoring the boy's indignant huff. "Well, congratulations, kid. You're stuck with us now. We're very hard to get rid of."
Leo snorted, trying to flatten his hair. "That's not exactly comforting, Felix."
"It's very comforting," Felix corrected with a grin. "It means you don't have to look over your shoulder anymore."
Kai watched the exchange silently, the tension that usually lived in his shoulders finally easing.
As the night grew quieter and the fire in the hearth dimmed to embers, Melissa rested her head lightly against Ember's shoulder. Ember didn't tense up. She didn't make a joke or pull away.
She simply shifted her weight so Melissa was more comfortable, resting her cheek against the top of Melissa's head.
Felix noticed. So did Kai. A look of quiet understanding passed between the two men, but nothing was said aloud. Some truths didn't need words.
Leo looked at all of them—this strange, mismatched group of generals, rogues, and mages—and felt something unfamiliar but steady take root in his chest.
"Is this," he asked carefully, his voice small, "what it's supposed to feel like?"
Ember glanced at him. "What?"
"Being… here," Leo said, gesturing to the table. "With people who stay? Even when there's no mission?"
Kai answered this time, his voice firm. "Yes, Leo. This is it."
Felix smiled, his eyes bright in the firelight. "And the best part? It usually gets better."
Closing
The lamps were dimmed one by one. No one rushed to leave the hall; no one was eager to return to the cold silence of their individual quarters.
For a rare, precious moment, there were no Leaders, no Heirs, and no crushing expectations of the High Council. There were just five people sharing space, warmth, and the lingering scent of a slightly burnt dinner.
And somewhere between the shared food and the unspoken understanding, something fragile took root.
It wasn't power. It wasn't the destiny of the Anchor.
It was home.