The Frasner house met them with warm light and quiet competence.
No palace drama, no performative guards. Just a clean path, a front door that opened before they reached the steps, and the scent of something baked that made Rafael immediately suspicious of "normal" as a concept.
Daniel was waiting in the entryway like a man who'd been stationed there as a human shield.
Philip hovered behind him, visibly relieved they'd actually shown up.
Bruno leaned against the wall with the posture of someone trying to look casual while also clearly terrified of disappointing his mother.
Rafael clocked it at once.
They weren't afraid of Gregoris. They were afraid of their mother being hurt.
Daniel stepped forward first, quick and polite. "You made it."
Gregoris's expression didn't soften, but his grip on Rafael's hand tightened like he was bracing himself and pretending he wasn't.
