The events of the evening slowly ebbed away as reality settled back into the room. Conversations softened, emotions dulled to a low hum, and the weight of everything that had happened pressed gently but insistently on everyone’s shoulders.
Andrea insisted—no, pleaded—that Lena and Lana stay the night.
“You’re family now,” she said, her hand still lingering protectively near Lena’s back. “It’s late, you’re exhausted, and you shouldn’t be moving around so much in your condition.”
Lena smiled, grateful but firm. “Thank you, truly. But we’ll be more comfortable at home.”
Lana nodded in agreement, already sensing how overwhelming it would be to sleep under the same roof as the Specters after everything.
Andrea sighed, clearly unhappy, but she didn’t push. Alexander, however, cleared his th
