The soft clink of cutlery echoed in the morning silence as Damon sat at the long breakfast table with Lucien, a steaming mug of coffee cradled in his hand. He looked more rested than he had in weeks, though the shadow of worry hadn’t fully left his eyes.

Lucien noticed. “You look alive today. Let me guess… love does that?”

Damon smirked, shaking his head. “Don’t start.”

Just then, Talia stepped into the dining room, dressed in a simple white top and jeans, her hair loosely braided over one shoulder. Her cheeks instantly flushed the moment Lucien’s gaze found her.

“Well, well,” Lucien said with a mischievous grin, setting down...