Elle’s POV
I stared around, wide-eyed, barely able to take it all in. There was a warmth here that went beyond the fire crackling softly in the hearth. It wrapped around me like a soft blanket. I didn’t feel like an outsider. I felt like the house had been waiting for me.
Ethan’s mother smiled gently. “Come, my darlings. Let’s have some tea before we begin.”
Her voice was soothing. Like honey sliding over warm bread.
She turned and led us into the kitchen. It was smaller but just as enchanting. Every cupboard was made of dark wood. The counters had bowls of herbs, little carved boxes, and more jars filled with herbs I didn’t recognize. There were glowing stones sitting in bowls, little animal figurines on the windowsill, and a wide pot bubbling gently on the stove.
Three cups had alre
