The dinner table was alive with the usual clamor of a Draven family meal. Plates clinked, spoons scraped against bowls, and the rich aroma of roast chicken and mashed potatoes filled the dining room. Mireya and Maxen had already managed to sneak in more bites than usual, occasionally exchanging cheeky glances at their "Sister Lea" and "Brother Hugo."
Hugo, as usual, sat closest to Lea, subtly shielding her from the twins' playful attacks. But tonight, the twins were extra observant—or perhaps just extra mischievous. As Lea reached for a serving of gravy, Mireya's gaze narrowed like a hawk circling its prey. Maxen's elbow nudged her arm in perfect coordination.
"You've got red cheeks, Brother Hugo!" Mireya declared, eyes wide.
Hugo froze mid-spoon, feeling the heat crawl up his neck. "Red… what?"
Maxen leaned forward, pointing. "Your cheeks! They're like… like a cherry that's been… been squashed!"
Lea's hand flew to her mouth, suppressing a laugh. "I… I didn't—"
