Chapter One Hundred Eleven

Chapter One Hundred Eleven
While she’d been in the shower, Riven and Lucien had slipped into their quiet, efficient morning rhythm. Lucien was tidying the couch and gathering stray clothes with the ease of someone who’d done this a thousand times. Riven was straightening the room, folding blankets, and humming under his breath-something he’d deny if asked.

They both looked up the moment Avery stepped out. Lucien crossed the room first, sliding his arms around her waist and pressing a slow, warm kiss to her temple, “Good morning, sweetheart.”

Riven followed, cupping her cheek and brushing a kiss across her forehead, “You look rested.”

Avery melted between them, letting herself be held. Their warmth, their steadiness, their affection-it was everything she’d needed. Riven pulled back just enough to reach behind him and lift something from the bed, “I picked this out for you.”

He held up a soft, elegant outfit-comfortable but flattering, in colors that made her eyes glow. He didn’t make a show of it, didn’t fuss, just offered it with that quiet, thoughtful care he always carried.

Avebury’s heart fluttered, “You always know exactly what I’ll like.” Riven whispers, “I pay attention.” Lucien smirked, “He also likes dressing you.”

Riven shot him a look that was half warning, half amusement,then he added, more practically, “My mother linked me. Breakfast is going to be served buffet-style, in the morning room with the terrace. And it will start in 30 min.”

Avebury brightened, “That sounds perfect.” Lucien kissed her cheek again. Riven brushed a thumb along her jaw, “Take your time, we’re not rushing today.”

Avery exhaled, feeling the truth of it settle deep in her chest.

Molly and Kael emerged from the bathroom looking significantly more awake than when they’d stumbled in. Molly’s cheeks were flushed a soft pink, her hair damp and tousled. Kael wore the smug, self-satisfied expression of a man who had absolutely gotten away with something.

Avery took one look at them and burst into giggles, “Molly… you missed a spot..”

Molly’s blush deepened instantly. Kael preened like a peacock, “What can I say? I’m thorough.”

Before either of them could escalate the teasing, Riven strode over and smacked them both on the butt - a sharp, playful pop followed by a firm squeeze. Both yelped. Avery and Lucien lost it, laughter spilling out of them in bright, unrestrained waves.

Kael’s expression was priceless - wide-eyed, betrayed, and flustered all at once. Riven smirked, completely unbothered, “Get used to it. Three guys, two girls… feelings are going to get complicated.”

Lucien snorted. Kael sputtered. Molly hid her face behind her hands.

Riven didn’t give them time to recover. He stepped right up to Lucien, cupped his jaw, and kissed him - slow, confident, claiming. Lucien melted into it with a soft sound that made Kael choke on air.

Then Riven turned, scooped Avery up bridal-style like she weighed nothing, and kissed her forehead, “You are getting spoiled today.”

Avery squeaked and wrapped her arms around his neck, laughing as he carried her toward the bed where her outfit was still laid out.

Lucien followed, still grinning, “Let's get dressed, I want you to enjoy every minute of today.”

Behind them, Molly and Kael were still recovering from the ambush- Molly giggling into Kael’s shoulder; Kael muttering about “unfair sneak attacks” amd “Riven starting something he can’t finish.”

Avery looked at all of them - her mates, her chaos, her heart -  and felt something warm and steady settle deep inside her. She was safe. She was loved. She was home.

The teasing didn’t stop once they were dressed. If anything, it only grew stronger as the five of them made their way down the long hallway toward the morning room. Avery walked between Riven and Lusien, still warm from being carried, still glowing from all the affection. Molly and Kael trailed behind them, whispering and nudging each other like two kids who’d been caught sneaking cookies before dinner.

Every few steps, Kael would poke Molly’s side.

Every few steps, Molly would swat him.

Every few steps, Avery would giggle.

By the time they reached the staircase, their laughter was echoing through the corridor.

The morning room was bright and airy, sunlight spilling across the terrace. The scent of fresh fruit, pastries, and brewed coffee drifted through the space.

Isolde, Remy, and Elena were already seated near the windows. They looked up as the group approached — and immediately broke into smiles.

Elena: “There they are! The stars of last night’s chaos.”

Isolde: “You all look… well-rested.”

Her eyes twinkled knowingly.

Kael choked on nothing.

Molly turned pink again.

Avery hid behind Lucien’s arm.

Remy laughed into his coffee.

From the other side of the room, Auron, Mark, Wulph, Darian, and a few others were deep in conversation about organizing a hunt later in the week. Their voices carried easily.

Mark: “We haven’t had a proper one in ages.”

Wulph: “I’m in. As long as Kael doesn’t cheat this time.”

Kael (calling out): “I don’t cheat! I improvise.”

Auron raised his glass in greeting, still riding the high of being the dramatic villain of the night.

The five of them settled at a long table near the terrace doors. Plates filled quickly with pastries, fruit, eggs, and little bites of everything. The conversation was soft and playful, the kind of easy morning chatter that only happens when everyone feels safe.

Avery sat between Molly and Lucien, leaning into both of them as she nibbled on a croissant.

Molly: “I still can’t believe how dramatic the ending was.”

Lucien: “Riven nearly stole the show.”

Riven: “I did not.”

Kael: “You absolutely did.”

Avery laughed, the sound bright and unburdened.

Around them, the rest of the cast was buzzing about the game — favorite moments, funniest mishaps, wild theories that had been completely wrong. Others were already asking Isolde what she had planned for the rest of the week.

Isolde: “Oh, I have plenty. But today is for relaxing. No stress. No responsibilities.”

A collective sigh of relief went around the room.

Everyone needed this. A break from politics. A break from danger. A break from the weight of the world.

Avery felt it settle into her bones — the peace, the warmth, the joy of simply being surrounded by people she loved.

She reached for Riven’s hand under the table. Molly leaned her head on Avery’s shoulder. Lucien brushed a kiss to her temple. Kael nudged her foot with his under the table. And Avery smiled, soft and full.

For the first time in months, she wasn’t thinking about visions or threats or responsibilities.

She was thinking about breakfast.

And sunshine.

And laughter.

And the week of rest ahead of them.

A week she finally felt ready to enjoy.