Chapter 10: The Twins' Birthday
Balloons decorated the grand hall.
Soft music filled the background.
Servants moved quietly, adjusting decorations and preparing guests.
It was the twins' third birthday.
Aven stood beside Hazel, now old enough to walk properly—but still small.
Alder held her hand immediately.
As always.
He refused to let go.
⸻
Ethan, Aaron, Ian
Ethan stood near Luca, observing everything like a small guardian.
Aaron ran around the hall, already showing signs of causing trouble.
Ian stayed near Aven and Alder without speaking.
The balance was familiar now.
Natural.
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Hazel's Glow
Hazel looked especially radiant today.
Not just as a mother.
But as someone used to being seen.
Still, whenever she looked at her children—
her expression softened completely.
Aven noticed it.
Every time.
⸻
And Then—Guests Arrived
The doors opened.
The atmosphere shifted slightly.
Not tense.
Just unfamiliar.
New people entered the Silvertone home.
Families from similar circles.
Children around the same age.
Aven did not focus on them at first.
Until—
She saw them.
Four boys.
Standing slightly apart from the others.
Confident.
Composed.
Each one different.
Yet strangely aligned.
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First Encounter – The F4
Aven tilted her head slightly.
Alder immediately tightened his grip on her hand.
One of the boys looked toward them first.
Then stopped.
For a moment longer than necessary.
His gaze landed directly on Aven.
Not intense.
Not forceful.
Just curious.
Like something had caught his attention without permission.
Another boy beside him nudged him slightly.
A third glanced over casually.
The fourth said nothing.
But all four—
looked.
Aven blinked slowly.
She didn't know them.
But for some reason—
it felt like they noticed her too easily.
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Alder Reacts First
Alder stepped forward slightly.
Small.
Protective.
Aven looked at him.
Then at the boys again.
Something subtle shifted in the air.
Not conflict.
Not danger.
Just recognition forming on one side—
without Aven knowing why.
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Aven's Thought
…who are they?
But before she could think further—
Hazel called her softly.
"Aven, come here."
And just like that—
the moment passed.
But not completely.
Because as Aven turned away—
she felt it.
Someone was still looking.
⸻
And this time—
it stayed longer than a glance should have.