Towards noon of the same day in Ravens Grave, everyone within the main room was happier than usual.
The happiest they'd been in a while, really.
Aiden sat at his usual spot with both his women, Arianna on his right, Laela on his left.
Oliver and Elena sat opposite from them, while Katherine occupied another table with Piers at her side.
Aeris sat across from Kayden, who had Innis, by his side and the whole room was filled with buzzing conversation.
Bernard emerged from the kitchen carrying large servings of food, on platters that spread its aroma around the room.
Piers looked up and shook his head with a grin. "You're crazy for heading back into that kitchen right after being rescued, you know that?"
Bernard set down one of the platters and wiped his hands on his apron, with a genuine smile spreading across his face.
"This is my way of saying thanks to all of you for coming to get us," he said.
