HELENA POV
Inside the café, warmth hit us immediately—thick, sweet, almost suffocating after the cold. Cocoa, sugar, baked dough. The twins reacted like someone had flipped a switch, bouncing on their toes while Trish took over the counter with military efficiency, declaring herself Supreme Commander of toppings.
“Extra marshmallows,” she said. “No arguing. This is a victory drink.”
Sebastian pumped his fist. Stephan echoed him half a second later, already vibrating.
Silas stayed a step back, hands loose at his sides, watching like he was afraid the moment might shatter if he leaned into it too hard.
I noticed it because I couldn’t not notice it.
He wasn’t hovering. He wasn’t inserting himself. He was… holding back. Giving space. Memorizing instead of claiming. Every laugh, every cru
