The Vale estate was never really quiet.
Its silence was kept that way.
Carefully controlled.
Just like everything else in the house, it was carefully arranged.
But this silence now—
This one felt different.
It wasn’t the house's usual quiet.
It was all about what was happening right then.
Lila stood right in the middle of it.
Not hiding behind anyone.
Not stuck between them.
She was just there, plain and simple.
And since all this started, for the very first time—
No one said a word first.
Kael didn't try to push things along.
Dorian didn't give orders.
Elena didn't try to explain what was happening.
They were just waiting.
Not for the situation to sort itself out.
They were waiting for her.
Lila felt that truth settle in her chest, like something new trying to get comf
