REED
The study was dim, the faint glow of the fireplace barely illuminating the tension that weighed heavy in the room. Malcolm sat stiffly in one of the leather chairs, his usual easy demeanor replaced by a guarded expression. The transition from the living room had been quick and silent, each of us moving as if on instinct, like soldiers preparing for battle.
Callum was the last to enter, shutting the double doors behind him with a quiet finality. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, eyes fixed on Malcolm like a predator sizing up its prey.
“You called her Aurora,” I began, breaking the silence. My tone was calm, but the underlying edge was impossible to miss. “Care to explain?”
Malcolm chuckled dryly, the sound devoid of humor. “You lots are as impatient as your father wa
