Chapter One Hundred Twenty-One

Chapter One Hundred Twenty-One
Riven and Lucien pushed open the door to their shared suite, talking lowly about the report they were just briefed on in the Council chambers. Both were tired, minds buzzing with strategy notes they needed to write up. But the moment they stepped inside, they froze. Music pulsed through the air - bright, upbeat, unmistakably Avery’s pop-dance playlist. The kind of music she blasted, only when  she was in a good mood.

Lucien’s brow lifted. Riven tilted his head. Then they noticed Molly and Kael with similar reactions, still covered in a slight sheen of sweat from their training sessions they were in charge of this afternoon. Keal lifted a finger to his lips before either of them could speak, “Shhh.. Look.” He pointed toward the kitchen. Riven and Lucien stepped quietly beside them… and saw her. Avery.

Avery had her earbuds in,  music blaring so loud they could faintly hear the beat from across the room. She was barefoot, hair tied up in a messy bun, hips swaying as she moved between the stove and the counter. She was cooking - something savory, something warm - and dancing like no one in the world was watching. Except four people very much were.

She spun around to grab a spice jar, mouthing the lyrics, then shimmied back to the pan with a little shoulder roll that made Molly bite her lip and Kael to grin like an idiot. Lucien’s heart melted on the spot. Riven's chest tightened with something warm and fierce. 

Avery had no idea they were there. She stirred the pan, did a little twirl, then dipped dramatically as the music hit a beat drop - nearly losing her balance, catching herself with a laugh only she could hear. Molly leaned into Lucien whispering, “She’s been like this since we walked in.” Kael nodded, eyes soft, “She said she wanted to make dinner for us, when we saw her about an hour ago, when we were walking to the training grounds, and she was leaving the medical wing.”  Riven’s voice was low reverent, “She’s adorable.” Lucien didn’t even try to hide the smile tugging at his mouth, “She’s perfect.”

Avery turned again, this time doing a little hip sway as she reached for a bowl. She didn’t hear the four of them creeping closer - didn’t sense the way their eyes softened, or how their bodies leaned instinctively toward her. She was in her own world, Happy, Safe, Home. And that is what finally broke their restraint.

Kael moved first, stepping into the kitchen with exaggerated stealth. Molly followed, then Lucien, then Riven - all of them trying not to laugh. Avery spun around with a spoon in her hand, mid dance move - and froze. Her eyes widened. Her mates stood in a semi circle around her, all wearing the same expression: Utter, hopeless adoration.

Avery yanked out one earbud, “Wha– How long have you been standing there?” Kael grinned, “Long enough to know you’re the cutest thing alive,” Molly slipped behind Avery, wrapping her arms around her waist, “ And long enough to know we’re never letting you cook alone again.” Lucien leaned in, brushing a kiss to her cheek, “You’re irresistible when you dance.” 

Riven cupped her jaw gently eyes warm, “And when your not dancing,” Avery flushed bright red, “You guys are ridiculous.” Kael kissed her forehead, “And you love it.” She did. She really, really did.

Avery laughed as her mates smothered her in kisses, hugging her from every angle. She let herself melt into it for a moment - the warmth, the affection, the grounding sense of home they always gave her. Then she clapped her hands sharply, “Alright, alright - out. Out of my kitchen. Go get ready for dinner.” 

Kael pouted dramatically. Mo;;y kissed her cheek one more time. Lucien brushed a thumb across her jaw. Riven squeezed her waist before stepping back. They began to drift toward the hallway when Avery suddenly turned back, “Wait - did we hear anything from the Council? About the fairies investigation?”

Lucien paused mid-step, reaching into his file bag, he pulled out a packet of papers - the report he and Riven had received just before heading home, “We did. The fairies finished their interviews. This is the full report.” Riven nodded expression serious, “It’s… a lot. We’ll go over it with you.” Kael lifted his hand, “And training got updated too. New drills, new formations, new magic pairings. We made progress today.”

Avery nodded, absorbing it all, “Okay. We’ll talk about everything over dinner. Now go - shower, change, and let me finish cooking.” She waved them off again, shooing them like misbehaving puppies. This time they listened.

Molly disappeared into her room with a bounce to her step. Kale jogged down the hall, already stripping off his shirt. Lucien walked with quiet grace, loosening his hair tie. Riven followed last, glancing back at Avery with a soft, lingering look before closing his door.

The moment they were gone, Avery slipped her earbuds back in and hit play. The beat dropped, Her hips swayed, and she dove right back into cooking. The roast was nearly done - tender, fragrant, simmering in a blend of herbs and broth. The vegetables and potatoes were perfectly roasted, edges crisping just right. On the counter, a tray of mixed fruit Danish Braid pastries cooled, the glaze catching the light.

She hummed along to the music, plating everything with care. By the time the others emerged - freshly showered, dressed in soft clothes, hair damp and faces relaxed - Avery had set the table, warm plates, silverware placed,  candles lit, food steaming. 

She wiped her hands on a towel, then dashed to her shared bedroom to wash up quickly - splashing water on her face, smoothing her hair, adjusting her romper. When she stepped back into the dining area, her mates were already gathering around the table. Kael’s eyes lit up, “Oh my gods, Ave - this smells amazing!” Molly clasped her hands together, “You continue to amaze, and spoil us.” Lucien pulled out her chair for her, “Sit. You’ve done enough.” Riven placed a gentle hand on her back as she sat, “Let’s eat. Then we’ll talk.”

Avery looked around the table - at the people she loved, the people who grounded her, the people who would face the summit and the prophecy with her. And for a moment, everything felt right.