ire''s heels clicked lightly against the marble steps of the Saint Laurent mansion as she approached the grand front door. The sprawling estate was illuminated by the warm glow of lights, and the faint hum ofughter and conversation floated through the air.


    As always, the mansion exuded an elegance that felt both inviting and overwhelming. But tonight, ire was determined to leave her worries behind, even if just for a few hours.


    The double doors swung open, and Adrian stood there, his smile lighting up the night. He looked


    effortlessly handsome in a dark suit, his hair perfectly styled, and his eyes full of warmth. Before she could say a word, he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.


    "Hey," he murmured against her lips, his thumb brushing her cheek. "You look stunning, ire."


    She smiled, her tension easing a bit. "Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself."


    He chuckled and took her hand, leading her inside. "Thank you, I tried." He gave her a wink that made ire blush. The warmth of his grip and the sparkle in his eyes made her feel like, for once, everything might just be okay.


    The moment they stepped into the foyer, Adriana''s cheerful voice rang out. "ire!"


    ire turned just in time to see Adriana, Adrian''s mother, approach with open arms. They shared a


    genuine hug, and ire felt a surge offort in the familiar warmth of Adriana''s embrace.


    "It''s been too long," Adriana said, pulling back slightly to get a better look at ire. Her eyes softened with concern. "How are you, dear?"


    "I''m doing fine," ire replied with a practiced smile. It was her default answer, but tonight, it felt less like a lie.


    Adriana''s gaze was sharp and motherly. "You seem to have lost weight, though."


    ire''s smile faltered slightly, but she brushed it off with a casual shrug. "Work has been demandingtely."


    Adriana frowned lightly. "Well, make sure you''re eating enough. You can''t run the world on an empty stomach."


    ire nodded. "I''ll try. Thank you, Adriana."


    "You better," Adriana said with a warm grin, looping her arm through ire''s. "Come on, let''s go join the others before the food gets cold."


    The dining room was a vision of ssic elegance. A long, mahogany table was set with fine China, crystal sses, and an abundance of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The golden glow of the chandelier above cast a cozy warmth over the room, and the scents of roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and spiced pumpkin pie filled the air.


    Mr. Saint Laurent, Adrian''s grandfather, descended the staircase with the kind of dignified grace that only came with age and experience. His eyes twinkled as he approached ire.


    "Ah, ire, my dear," he greeted, his deep voice warm and weing. "It''s always a pleasure to have you here."


    "Thank you, Mr. Saint Laurent," she replied with a respectful nod, a genuine smile curving her lips. "None of that ''Mr.'' nonsense tonight," he teased, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "Call me Richard." "Alright, Richard," she said, a soft chuckle escaping her.


    Charles Saint Laurent, Adrian''s father, followed closely behind, offering ire a kind smile. "We''re d you could join us, ire. Adrian''s been looking forward to this all week."


    "Me too," she admitted, ncing at Adrian, who squeezed her hand reassuringly.


    As they all settled around the dinner table, ire felt the warmth of the Saint Laurent family wrap around


    her like aforting nket. The table buzzed with cheerful conversation, the clinking of sses, and the asional burst ofughter. For the first time in what felt like forever, ire let herself rx.


    Midway through dinner, Richard cleared his throat, a mischievous smile ying on his lips as he turned his attention to Adrian.


    "So, Adrian," he said, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. "Are you going to tell us how serious things are with this lovely youngdy?"


    Adrian chuckled, but his cheeks flushed slightly. "Grandfather, you''re putting us on the spot."


    ire''s face heated up, and she lowered her gaze to her te, trying to suppress a smile.


    Richard wasn''t deterred. "Oh,e now. We all adore ire. I just want to know when we''ll be making room for another Saint Laurent at this table."


    "Dad! Don''t ask them that." Adriana scolded, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Let them be. They will be embarrassed by it."


    ire nced at Adrian, and he met


    her gaze with a warm, reassuring smile. Her heart fluttered. She hadn''t expected this night to be so full of lightness and joy. It was a stark contrast to the darkness she''d been wading through for weeks.


    "Don''t mind him, ire," Adrian whispered in her ear. "He just likes to stir the pot."


    Sheughed softly. "It''s all right. I missed this."


    He tilted his head slightly. "Missed what?"


    "This," she said, gesturing around the table. "Family. Laughter. Feeling... normal."


    Adrian''s expression softened. He leaned in, his lips brushing her temple. "You''ll always have that here. No matter what."


    As the dinner wound down, the


    conversation grew even more light-hearted. Richard told stories about his youth, Charles shared a


    few humorous anecdotes about


    Adriamas a child, and Adriana Kept encouraging everyone to eat more dessert. ire found herself genuinelyughing, the tension in her shoulders melting away bit by bit.


    For a brief moment, she forgot about Eligos, the threats, and the darkness waiting outside these walls. All that mattered was the warmth of the room, the kindness of


    these people, and the man sitting


    beside her.


    But as theughter faded and the tes were cleared, reality began to seep back in. ire''s mind wandered to the crumpled note she''d received earlier, the chilling warning still fresh in her mind. Be ready for something that is about toe.


    A shiver ran down her spine.


    Adrian noticed immediately. He reached for her hand under the table, his thumb brushing against her knuckles. "You okay?" he asked softly.


    ire hesitated, her gaze flicking to his. She wanted to confide in him, to let him share the burden. But tonight had been so perfect, and she didn''t want to taint it with her fears.


    "I''m fine," she said with a faint smile. "Just a little tired."


    He searched her eyes, clearly not convinced, but he didn''t press. "We can leave whenever you want." She shook her head. "No, it''s okay. I''m d I came."


    "Me too."


    After dinner, ire stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The night was cool, the city lights twinkling in the distance. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply, trying to steady herself.


    The door creaked behind her, and she turned to see Adrian stepping out, two mugs of coffee in hand. He handed one to her, his fingers brushing hers.


    "Thought you might need this," he said softly.


    "Thank you," she murmured, taking a sip.


    They stood side by side, the silence between themfortable. After a while, Adrian spoke.


    "Whatever it is that''s bothering you, ire, I''m here. You know that, right?"


    She looked up at him, her eyes glistening. "I know."


    And for the first time in weeks, she let herself believe it.