SERAPHINA’S POV
Dinner passed in a strange, fragile quiet.
Not tense, just…careful. Like we were all trying very hard not to break something delicate.
As usual, Daniel talked the most, excitedly recounting the game, his fork moving more than he actually ate.
Kieran listened, nodding, answering when spoken to. Every now and then, I caught his eyes drifting to me—quick, unreadable glances that made something tighten low in my belly.
I kept my voice steady. Focused on Daniel. On the food. On breathing.
Daniel finished first, dropping his fork with a soft clang. “That was amazing, Mom,” he announced, sitting back with a satisfied sigh.
“Thanks,” I said, smiling. “Do you want dessert?”
He threw his arms up in a theatrical yawn. “Actually, I’m pretty beat,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “I’m gonna head to bed.”
I held back an eyeroll. Sure.
“Alright, baby.” I leaned over and kissed his hair. “Brush your teeth.”
