[: 3rd POV :]
The music in the grand hall swelled softly, fading into a gentle rhythm as laughter and conversation echoed like waves in the distance.
The glow of golden light from the chandeliers shimmered against the polished marble floor, illuminating the soft expression on Melira's face as she shared a rare, peaceful smile with her son.
For Daniel, moments like this were precious, fleeting fragments of warmth in a world that had often shown him only chaos and blood.
Sitting beside his mother, he felt something he hadn't felt in years, serenity.
The kind of serenity that didn't come from victory or power… but from belonging.
But that serenity was soon interrupted, not unpleasantly, by a voice filled with authority and an undertone of good humor.
"So… are you the one who's been making Rika talk about you nonstop?"
Daniel turned, sensing the towering presence before he even saw the man.
