CAMILLA
The house was eerily silent, save for the distant chirping of birds outside. Where had everyone gone? I wondered as I descended the stairs into the living room.
I looked around—empty. Odd. The house was usually bustling with people, yet today, of all days, it was deserted.
Then it hit me. I had canceled all plans for my birthday, furious with Malakai. But that didn’t mean everyone should abandon me as if my existence had been erased.
Still, feeling a little drained from this morning’s run, I made my way into the kitchen for a glass of water. I grabbed a bottle from the fridge, shutting the door when—
Pop!
I nearly dropped the bottle as a chorus of voices erupted.
“Surprise!”
The kitchen staff stood in the kitchen, cheering and clapping. Their eyes sparkled with
