Lila
After long weeks of travel, I returned home.
From my seat on the balcony, I could see the training courtyard below. The air smelled of steel, sunlight, and blooming moon flowers; Damon insisted they be planted along the walls after the reconstruction.
Ronan’s voice rang out through the crisp morning air. “Lucien, that stance won’t save you against a strong opponent. Bend your knees, not your pride!”
Lucien groaned, wiping sweat from his brow. “You sound like Father!”
From across the courtyard, Auren, barefoot, curls wild in the wind, laughed. “He’s right! You’re wobbly!”
Lucien turned to glare at her, and in that heartbeat of distraction, Ronan swept his legs out from under him. My son landed in the grass with an undignified thud.
Emma’s laughter broke beside me. She was lean
