In the sunlit kitchen, Chris chowed down on a massive plate of bacon and pancakes prepared by the house chef, a genuine grin spreading across his face. He glanced over at Syrene, a quiet wave of relief washing over him. Maybe she wasn't just lying this time, he thought, cutting into a pancake. Maybe she really is going to be around more for me.
Seeing him happy warmed Syrene’s chest, briefly pushing away the knot of anxiety about the unreturned text.
Once Chris finished packing his backpack, Syrene walked him down the grand marble entryway to meet the private driver Roman had arranged to take him to school. Just as she reached out to turn the heavy brass handle of the front door, it swung inward.
Syrene gasped, stepping back with a sharp intake of air as Roman filled the massive doorway
