The sky was painted a soft shade of lavender as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues over the snow-covered road. Inside the cozy carriage, warmth radiated from the enchanted heating crystal at its center. The girls sat relaxed, chatting or gazing at the scenery.
Noah looked out the frosted window, eyes distant, heart pulled elsewhere.
After a long pause, he turned to the others and broke the silence.
"I want to visit home," he said softly. "See my parents again."
Scarlett, curled up beside him, blinked. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Layla grinned. "Your mom makes the best hot cocoa. I'm in."
Lyra looked up with a small smile. "We lived there for almost a year… it'll be nice to return."
All eyes turned to Alea, who sat with perfect poise at the far end of the carriage, her long black hair flowing like a glacier's stream.
"If it's your wish," she said with calm grace, "I'll come along. I would not mind meeting your parents."
Noah looked surprised. "You're really okay with it?"
Alea simply closed her eyes. "It's only natural that I understand the people you care about."
Noah's heart warmed.
They were going home.
Augustus Estate –
The majestic white-and-gold gates of the Augustus duchy creaked open, revealing the sprawling mansion surrounded by glistening frost-covered gardens.
Noah stepped out of the carriage first, boots crunching against snow. His breath hitched as he saw the warm lights inside the windows. It felt like he had never left… and yet, everything felt new.
Behind him, Scarlett emerged, her cheeks already flushed from the cold.
Layla stretched with a yawn, her long black hair swaying as she winked at the guards, causing a few to blush and look away.
Lyra adjusted her scarf silently, her gaze drawn toward the nearby glasshouse where she used to read every evening.
And finally, Alea stepped out with regal calm. Her very presence shifted the temperature slightly colder, as if the snow itself respected her.
Just then, the front doors burst open.
"NOAH!"
A woman in a fur-lined blue dress rushed out, snow flying around her feet. Her blue hair trailed behind her, and her red eyes sparkled with emotion.
Duchess Julia Von Augustus.
She hugged her son tightly, ignoring everything else. "You didn't send word! I was worried sick!"
Noah smiled into the hug. "I wanted it to be a surprise."
Behind her, a tall man stepped out, arms crossed but eyes soft.
Duke Richard Augustus.
"Still showing up unannounced like a delinquent."
"Missed you too, Father," Noah muttered.
Then Julia turned her attention to the girls—her expression lighting up like a chandelier.
"Oh, my lovely girls! Scarlett! Layla! Lyra!"
Scarlett bowed slightly with grace. "We've missed you, Duchess."
Layla went straight for a hug. "Your cooking better not have gotten worse while we were gone."
Julia laughed. "It's better. You'll see."
Richard raised a brow. "Trouble returns in triplicate, as always."
Then… their eyes fell on Alea.
A pause.
A subtle shift in air pressure.
Julia's smile didn't falter, but her eyes sharpened with recognition.
Richard's brows furrowed slightly, as if tugging at a buried memory.
Alea, calm and composed, nodded politely. "I am Alea, Lyra's mother. Thank you for welcoming me."
Richard's mouth opened slightly—but Julia placed a hand on his arm. Later.
"You're most welcome Lady Alea," Julia said with practiced nobility. "Please, come inside. We've prepared rooms for everyone."
Evening –
The mansion's fireplace crackled with warmth. The girls instantly reclaimed their usual spots like long-lost queens of the household.
Scarlett sat beside Julia, already discussing tea leaves.
Layla raced with two servants to the kitchen to "test" if her favorite snack was still made right.
Lyra returned to her reading nook near the grand window, lost in books and memories.
Noah flopped onto the sofa, arms spread. "This... is the life."
Alea stood near the bookshelves, quietly inspecting the collection. She felt the subtle wards placed around the mansion, strong and precise—testament to a powerful and protective household.
Julia approached her slowly, offering a warm cup. "Mint honey tea. Helps with winter headaches."
Alea took it. "Thank you."
They exchanged a long look—two strong women, both with secrets and scars.
But mutual respect.
Julia finally said, "You're the only new face here, and yet… you don't seem like a stranger."
Alea's lips curved slightly. "I don't feel like one."
Dinner Table –
The long dining table glowed under golden chandeliers. Dishes of roasted vegetables, warm bread, and creamy soups lined the surface.
Noah sat at the center, flanked by the girls. Alea, as the new guest, sat beside Julia and Richard.
The dinner was lively. Laughs echoed. Layla recounted the time Noah slipped in mud trying to impress Scarlett. Scarlett denied it ever happened. Lyra giggled softly, admitting she saw it too.
Julia leaned toward Alea. "You seem like the composed sort. I doubt they rattle you."
"They try," Alea said flatly. "But they're amusing."
Richard finally spoke. "So what's your Plans ?"
The table froze.
Alea met his gaze head-on. "I'm watching over Lyra. And I want to see if he's worthy of her trust."
Richard grunted. "Smart woman."
Noah coughed into his drink.
Julia smiled faintly. "You'll keep him grounded."
That night, Noah stepped out onto the snowy balcony.
Alea stood there already, gazing at the moon.
"You're really something," he said softly.
She glanced at him. "Am I?"
"My parents respect you. That's not easy."
"They remember me," she said simply.
He nodded. "You didn't ask about it."
"I didn't need to."
The wind whispered between them.
Alea turned slightly. "This home is safe. Warm. You're lucky to have it."
Noah looked at her seriously. "If Lyra ever wants that feeling again… she's always welcome here. So are you."
Alea's lips curved into the barest smile. "We'll see."
End of Chapter.