Alina's heart thudded so hard she felt it in her throat as she lifted her hand and pressed the doorbell. The familiar chime echoed inside the house, and for a moment she held her breath without meaning to. Dante stood tall beside her, his hands tucked in his pockets, his eyes calmly fixed on the door even though a tiny flicker of nervousness hid beneath his expression. Meanwhile, two little figures peeked from behind his legs like shy kittens.
Lucien clutched Dante's pant leg so tightly his knuckles went pale, and Sable kept adjusting his tiny shirt, swallowing down excitement and fear at the same time.
"Mom's family… human family…" he whispered softly, his voice trembling with awe.
"Don't be scared," Alina said gently, bending down to smile at them. "Aunt Lyla is very sweet."
"Sweet like dessert?" Sable asked hopefully.
"Exactly like dessert," she whispered, and both boys nodded as if this was very serious information.
The door opened.
