Leone rang the doorbell, and Dean greeted him with a warm smile as he opened the door. "Welcome!" he exclaimed cheerfully.
"Is Viv awake and how is she?" Leone inquired, stepping inside.
"Yes, she's much better now. And you? How did things go with Madelyn?" Dean replied, his curiosity piqued as he led Leone towards the living room.
Leone quickly summarized the council's events, explaining how Madelyn's manipulative tactics were thwarted by the fourth elder's intervention. As they reached the living room, Vivian's voice chimed in.
"Leo!" she called out, her smile audible in her voice. She appeared from the kitchen, an apron tied around her waist, signaling her culinary preparations.
Dean glanced at his watch. "I should get going," he announced.
Vivian's disappointment was evident. "Bu
