All eyes turned toward the sound, the tension snapping back like a taut wire.
Lila appeared first, stepping into the doorway, her black eyes sweeping the room, her curls framing her pale face, her lips pressed into a half-smile, half-grimace, as if checking for danger.
She glanced back over her shoulder, her voice soft but firm.
"She's coming," she said, then added, "Come on, Tila."
From down the hall, Tila's voice rang out, muffled but sharp.
"Just get my plate, Lila!"
Kael's grin spread slowly, his hazel eyes glinting with anticipation, his fingers tightening on his fork.
He leaned back in his chair, his voice carrying just enough to reach the hallway, calm but commanding.
"Tila. Come here. Let's eat together."
Silence fell, heavy and expectant, the air buzzing with the promise of her arrival.
Then, the faint sound of feet dragging, reluctant but inevitable.
Breakfast was about to get interesting.
.
..
.
