Damian was the oldest, as always taking the lead. Suddenly, a noise came from the door. Damian bent on his knees and muttered, “Aargh.”
They all looked at him, confused. Theodore’s expression was uneasy.
“No, no. It’s alright,” Damian said, straightening up. He moved toward the door and opened it slowly.
“My lovely boy… what took you all so long?” Mrs. Patricia’s voice was soft and sweet.
They smiled politely and walked past her.
Mr. Charles was already seated at the dining table, his expression neutral, hurrying them along. “Wash your hands. Eat. I’m starving,” he said.
Damian washed his hands first, followed by Lily, Blake, and Sienna.
When Raven stepped forward, Theodore leaned in and whispered, “Did you notice a change in Damian?”6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PGhRRnqge
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Raven blinked, flustered. “Huh? Ah… no?”
Theo continued quietly, “I don’t think saying Sienna is the best person to watch him right now. Back in the forest, he kept acting… weird.”
Raven, searching for a cloth to dry her hands, asked, “Weird? What do you mean?”
“I don't know exactly… he kept calling me to the strangest places while I was sticking with the old man. For a second, I felt bad for him… and honestly, a little afraid.”
Raven’s expression became complex.
“Even now… he bent on his knees. I don’t even know what happened,” Theo added, proving his point.
Raven lowered her voice. “Don’t tell anyone for now. Let’s just observe more before we—”
“Guys, what are you doing? Hurry,” Damian interrupted in a whisper.
They froze for half a second, guilt flashing across their faces for doubting him. Then, almost in unison, they scoffed, muttering, “Creepy.”
They made their way to the dining table.
Everyone hesitated to sit near Mrs. Patricia. Finally, Sienna claimed the seat next to her, Lily took the next, and Raven sat near Lily. Blake, restless as ever, poked at his food. Sienna kicked him lightly under the table and shot him a glare.
Theodore and Raven tried to act normal, though every subtle movement Damian made drew their attention. They were more focused on him than the couple. Sienna, noticing, simply smiled it off.
As they ate, everything seemed ordinary… yet the quiet was heavy.
“Honey, the food should be more boiled, don’t you think?” Mr. Charles asked casually.
“Really? I thought I chopped them small so they’d cook faster. I’ll boil it more next time. What about the rest of you?” Mrs. Patricia smiled.
Lily, finishing her soup in one gulp, said quickly, “It’s fine, Mrs. Patricia. I like it this way.”
“Slow down, kid. You’re going to choke,” Mr. Charles said, watching her hurried gulp.
She giggled uncomfortably. “Please… more, dear.” Mrs. Patricia added seconds, even though Lily had tried to avoid them. Eventually, she ate, half-resistant, half-hungry.
The rest of them finished eating and helped clean the table and wash the dishes. Mrs. Patricia, being old, moved slower than they expected, so they rushed to assist, quietly trying not to draw attention.
Meanwhile, Mr. Charles took the boys to the hall. “Come help me clean. You didn’t finish sweeping the leaves and dust,” he instructed.
Finally, everything was done. Lily finished her meal, dramatically leaning back in her chair.
“I COULDN’T EAT MORE!” she exclaimed, making everyone laugh.
For a moment, the tension eased. They remembered the messy, awkward, but strangely warm dinner, and laughter filled the room.
But it was fleeting. Packing and leaving still waited.
Theodore and Raven exchanged a glance, shaking their heads ever so slightly.
“Hmm?” Lily asked, catching Raven’s expression with a mischievous smile.
“Nothing,” Raven replied with a calm smile.
Lily turned to Theodore and whispers “You better not be hiding anything.”
He just chuckled. “Haha… okay.”
And for a little while, they let themselves enjoy that small, quiet moment together.
As they got ready to sleep, the couple headed upstairs. They eyed the group with confident smiles.
It’s time.
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