Everyone was already seated around the dining table for breakfast, the soft clink of cutlery and low murmurs filling the room. The chairs at the head remained empty Calvin and Cleopatra had yet to appear. Guinevere sat quietly among the others, her posture stiff as she toyed with the edge of her napkin.

Her eyes were still swollen from crying the night before, faint redness lingering despite her effort to appear composed. She kept her gaze on her plate, avoiding the curious glances that occasionally flicked her way, while the uneasy silence made the absence of Calvin and Cleopatra feel even heavier.

“Isn’t Cleopatra having breakfast?” Spencer asked quietly, leaning...