As the night slowly wound down, the lively energy of the reception began to fade into a comfortable, sleepy quiet. Guests were gradually trickling out toward the courtyard, leaving the Great Hall bathed in the warm, dim glow of dying hearth fires.
I was standing near one of the tall stone pillars, holding a thoroughly exhausted Toby in my arms. His little head rested heavily against my shoulder, his small hand clutching my cloak as his eyelids fluttered shut against the remaining light.
A quiet rustle of fabric announced Eloise’s approach. She walked over with a soft, weary smile, reaching out to gently stroke Toby’s hair.
"I think this little guy has officially reached his limit," she murmured softly. "We're going to head home now, Rachel."
I looked up at her, noticing the fatigue sof
