Everyone was gathered on the first floor. Reize was talking to Ethan by the window, while Elion and Stella were arranging some supplies on the table in the center. Despite her help, Elion insisted calmly:
—You should rest a little, Stella. You're not fully recovered yet.
Stella looked at him with a half-smile, but finally agreed, sitting down slowly.
On the other side, Althea and Hael played with Max, the puppy, who ran happily between them. Their soft laughter filled the room. Koen was lying on the sofa with his eyes closed, taking a few minutes to rest and clear his thoughts.
From where she stood, Althea watched him. After hesitating for a moment, she got up and approached him quietly. Koen sensed her presence and opened his eyes. She smiled.
—If you're very tired, you could go upstairs to sleep —she said softly—. I'm sure you'd be more comfortable.
Koen shook his head slowly, with a slight smile.
—It's not necessary. I just want to rest here for a few minutes... to gather my thoughts.
At that moment, Hael appeared beside her, carrying Max in his arms. He looked at him curiously.
—What's your name? — he asked directly.
—Koen —he replied, without losing his composure.
—I'm Hael —he introduced himself naturally—. And this is Max.
—I'm Althea —she added, smiling.
Koen smiled kindly as he stroked the puppy's head.
—Nice to meet you. Arika and Reize told me a little about you, Althea.
Althea blinked, surprised.
—About me?
Koen nodded.
—Yes. Funny... Years ago, I had a friend who was also named Althea. I haven't seen her in a long time.
Hael listened attentively and smiled.
—It seems that name is quite popular —he commented lightly, eliciting a small laugh from the three of them.
After a while of quiet conversation, Althea's gaze fell on Reize, who was still talking to Ethan. She decided to approach him, and Hael, as always, followed close behind.
Interrupting the conversation, Althea showed the bracelet on her wrist.
—Reize... I still have the bracelet you gave me.
Reize smiled, with his usual warmth.
—Never lose it. It will be your lucky charm.
Althea nodded firmly. Reize then noticed Hael's presence behind her.
—And who is your friend?
Althea took Hael by the arm and brought him closer.
—This is Hael. And this little guy is Max.
Reize smiled kindly.
—Nice to meet you. I'm Reize... and this is Ethan.
Althea looked at them both with a curious expression that quickly turned mischievous.
—You two seem very close... Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?
The mood changed immediately. Reize gasped, her cheeks turning red.
—N-No! —she denied quickly, waving her hands—. We're not anything like that...
Althea, amused, opened her mouth to insist.
—But it seems...
Before she could finish her sentence, Hael covered her mouth with his hand and whispered in an almost amused tone:
—Better not say anything.
Then Ethan intervened, his voice calm and firm.
—Reize is right. We're nothing now... but who knows, we could be something in the future.
Reize looked at him immediately, bewildered, with a clear expression of "What are you saying?" Her face turned even redder and she looked away.
Sensing the awkwardness, Hael quickly intervened.
—Well... we have to go help my brother. See you later. Come on, Althea.
Gently pulling her away, they both walked off.
—See you later —Althea said with a smile.
When the children left, Reize quickly turned to Ethan, her face still flushed.
—Why did you say that in front of them?
Ethan looked at her calmly.
—Because it's the truth —he said simply—. Reize, I've been watching you... and I know you're a little interested in me. The truth is, I'm interested in you too.
She looked at him, unable to hide her surprise.
—What are you talking about...?
Ethan moved a little closer, lowering his voice to a whisper:
—I've already taken the first step by expressing how I feel... so whatever happens between us from now on is up to you, Reize.
Without giving her time to respond, he stepped back with a half-smile.
—I'm going to look around the house a bit to make sure we're not in danger. I hope you think carefully about what I said.
Reize remained where she was, completely flushed, her gaze lost as she tried to process everything that had just happened. Bringing a hand to her face, she took a deep breath, still overwhelmed by embarrassment... and by something else she didn't want to admit so easily.
Hael had taken Althea to the kitchen, where Elion and Stella were finishing arranging the last few things. Althea, with her usual energy, spoke as soon as they entered:
—We're here to help.
Elion smiled calmly.
—We've finished tidying everything up.
Althea pursed her lips and crossed her arms as she looked at Hael.
—Then we came here for nothing... We could have talked more with Ethan and Reize.
Hael put his hand to the back of his neck, a gesture of discomfort as he realized he hadn't understood the hint to leave and end the conversation. Elion noticed and raised an eyebrow.
—What happened?
Hael sighed.
—Althea put the newcomers in an awkward situation. And I brought her here so she wouldn't cause any more tension.
Elion blinked, surprised.
—And what did she say to them?
—She asked them if they were a couple —Hael replied, somewhat embarrassed.
Elion couldn't help but laugh and looked at Althea with a mixture of amusement and patience.
—Those kinds of questions are a little awkward for adults... and worse if they're not—he explained softly.
Althea, finally understanding, puffed out her cheeks and muttered with a slight pout:
—Okay... I'll think before I say something like that again.
At that moment, a sudden noise was heard at the back door. Everyone tensed. They quickly made their way to the door, joining the others. Voices were lowered and everyone whispered, trying to figure out what was going on. The door handle began to shake violently, as if someone on the other side was struggling to get in.
Elion spoke in a serious voice:
—We'd better get ready. It's best if we open the door ourselves... If they keep struggling, they'll damage it and that will be a problem later.
Everyone nodded. Ethan, Koen, and Elion drew their weapons. Reize and Stella grabbed heavy objects they could use to defend themselves if necessary. Althea and Hael, along with Max, hid behind a piece of furniture, keeping quiet.
Stella raised her hand, signaling that she would open the door. With a quick movement, she turned the handle and pushed the door outward. Everyone lunged forward, ready to attack the threat that lurked beyond.