No Neutral Ground

It wasn’t just dinner—it was a homecoming. A promise that even in the shadow of grief, joy could bloom again.

Lyra and Kaelen exchanged a quick, knowing glance—just a flicker of warmth that said everything words didn’t have to. Across the table, Leo’s laughter rang out, light and genuine, and for a brief moment, the room felt peaceful.

The conversation flowed easily after that—playful teasing, c