By the time evening settled over the mansion, the air had grown heavier.
Not louder.
Not chaotic.
Just… tense.
Like something invisible was pressing down on everyone at once.
The dining table was full.
Food had been prepared, placed neatly, everything exactly the way it should be.
But no one was really eating.
Vinny poked at his plate absentmindedly.
Matthew sat at the head of the table, silent, focused.
Aiden leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, staring at nothing in particular.
Noah sat across from him.
Still.
Quiet.
Lost somewhere deeper than the room.
Lily's voice broke through the silence.
"I want juice."
Vinny blinked.
"Oh—yeah."
He stood quickly, grateful for the distraction, and poured her a glass.
She smiled brightly.
"Thank you!"
Vinny smiled back.
"Of course."
Isabella giggled softly in her seat, playing with her spoon.
For a moment—
Just a moment—
The room felt normal again.
But it didn't last.
Matthew finally spoke.
