By the time Hugo and I stepped back into the Draven mansion, the warm glow of the chandeliers had already filled the halls, casting soft golden reflections on the polished floors. It was only eight-thirty, not too late, but enough for the mansion to settle into its usual evening calm—at least, it would've been calm if not for the unmistakable patter of feet running toward us.
"Sister Lea!! Brother Hugo!!"
Maxen's excited voice echoed first, followed immediately by Mireya's smaller but equally energetic footsteps. The twins burst out from the living room like two hyperactive sparks of magic, their school bags still thrown carelessly on the sofa.
Before I could even react, Maxen practically collided into me, hugging my waist like an octopus, while Mireya latched onto my arm.
"Where have you two been? Marina said you were walking in the garden! Why didn't you call us to come too?" Mireya puffed her cheeks, clearly sulking.
