The conversation between Valerius and Ahicia flowed as if they were old friends catching up after years apart. The tension from earlier had dissolved, replaced by genuine interest and curiosity. Ahicia found herself forgetting where she was, who she was with, and even why she had been so nervous in the first place. Valerius had a way of drawing people in, his sharp wit and commanding presence both intimidating and strangely comforting.
Damian, however, was less amused. He sat silently, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he watched his father and Ahicia exchange words and laughter. It was one thing for Ahicia to impress Valerius—that had been expected. But this level of camaraderie was beginning to irk him.
As Valerius leaned closer to Ahicia, recounting an elaborate story of his younger days, Damian's patience snapped. He leaned in himself, interrupting their exchange with a soft peck on Ahicia's cheek.
She turned to him, her red eyes wide with surprise. "What was that for?"
Damian's smirk was almost boyish. "Just reminding you who you're supposed to be paying attention to."
Ahicia blinked at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "You're such a child," she teased, her tone light but affectionate.
Valerius roared with laughter, his deep voice filling the room. "A child, is he? Well, I'll say this much—you've managed to tame this wolf, at least somewhat. He's never cared much whether anyone else lived or died, yet here he is, trying to steal your attention like a jealous pup."
Damian rolled his eyes but said nothing, the faintest hint of a blush creeping up his neck. Ahicia's smile widened, and for a moment, she forgot the weight of the evening entirely.
Valerius leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze shifting to his son. There was something unreadable in his expression, but he chose to keep whatever thoughts he had to himself.
Before anyone could say more, the grand doors of the dining hall creaked open. All eyes turned to the new arrival. Lunaria Moonlight entered with her usual regal presence, her silver hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of moonlight. Her emerald-green gown shimmered as she moved, and her piercing gaze immediately took in the scene before her.
"I see the family is already having fun without me," Lunaria said, her voice smooth and melodic. She didn't need an introduction; Ahicia had met her before, though each encounter still left her feeling slightly awestruck.
"Mother," Damian said, rising from his chair and inclining his head respectfully.
Lunaria's gaze swept over Ahicia, a smile curving her lips. "Ahicia, my dear," she said, her tone warm but tinged with her ever-present sharpness. "You seem to be making quite the impression tonight."
Ahicia rose awkwardly, her earlier confidence waning slightly under Lunaria's direct attention. "It's good to see you again, Lady Lunaria," she said, dipping her head respectfully.
"Likewise," Lunaria replied, her eyes twinkling. "I must admit, it's refreshing to see someone who can hold her own in this family. You've come a long way since our last meeting."
Valerius stood, gesturing for Lunaria to join him. "You've missed quite the performance," he said with a smirk. "Our son here is learning what it's like to be put in his place."
Lunaria arched an elegant brow at Damian. "Is that so? Perhaps Ahicia truly is the one to tame you."
Ahicia's cheeks warmed, and Damian gave his mother a pointed look. "You're all enjoying this a bit too much," he muttered.
"Oh, but we're only getting started," Lunaria said, her laughter soft and melodic. She took her seat beside Valerius, her presence completing the powerful aura of the Moonlight family.
As they all settled back into their seats, Ahicia felt a strange sense of belonging wash over her. It was tentative and fragile, but it was there nonetheless. For all their overwhelming intensity, the Moonlights were beginning to feel like something she had never truly known: a family.