Alexander had decided to bring Lilith to the old Carter family house for dinner.
Inside, the dining room was already warm with soft golden lights and the low murmur of conversation. His parents were there, seated near the head of the long table, with his grandfather beside them — the old man's sharp eyes flicking toward Lilith the second she stepped through the doorway.
But it was Rose who made the moment feel alive. The instant she spotted Lilith standing beside Alexander, Rose's eyes went wide like a child's. She practically bounced out of her chair, her curls swaying as she ran over and threw her arms around Lilith's shoulders without a hint of hesitation.
"Sister Lilith! You're really here!" Rose squealed, her voice echoing off the high ceilings. The warmth in her hug chased away the heavy atmosphere like sunlight streaming through the windows.
