Chapter 285

Chapter 285
Lira's POV

That evening, the living room was filled with the scent of popcorn and a relaxed atmosphere. We gathered around the TV watching "The Terminal." Lily and Zoe sat on the same couch, still with some distance between them but no longer at each other's throats; Austin reclined in the corner armchair, looking much more at ease; Margaret and Nathan quietly discussed garden plans.

Watching this scene, a long-absent sense of peace spread through me. Despite the dangerous, uncertain world outside, right now, in this room, we've found a moment of tranquility.

After the movie ended, everyone gradually dispersed to their rooms. Nathan and I were the last to leave, cleaning up together.

"You did good today," he said softly, his arm wrapping around my shoulders, pulling me into a warm embrace. "They needed you."

"I just did what anyone would do," I leaned against his chest.

Nathan looked into my eyes: "No, not anyone could do what you did. You have a gift, Lira, for seeing the light in people, even when they can't see it themselves."

Back in our bedroom, Nathan suddenly said, "I was thinking, maybe they should stay."

"What?"

"Not temporarily," he explained, "permanently. I can see how close you've become with them, and they like it here. They need a safe place, away from the shadows of their past."

I looked at him in surprise, knowing how much Nathan valued his privacy. Letting so many people stay long-term was a huge sacrifice for him.

"Are you sure?" I asked quietly. "This is your home."

"It's our home," he corrected. "They matter to you. You need them, and they need you. They can teach you to control your powers, and you can help them find themselves again."

I threw myself into his arms, feeling my eyes grow damp. "Thank you for understanding. You always see what I truly need."

---

The next morning, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of coffee and casual conversation. Lily was complaining about her clothes, tugging at her faded T-shirt.

"We've been wearing these clothes forever," she sighed, looking down at her worn-out jeans. "I can't believe I've had this shirt for three months straight."

"All my clothes were bought by Bruce," Zoe said quietly, discomfort flashing in her eyes. "I... I don't want to wear them anymore. Every time I put them on, I think of him."

They need a fresh start, beginning with the basics.

"Let's go shopping today," I suggested, pouring myself a cup of coffee. "I need some new things too. We could go together, like... normal girls' day out."

Nathan smiled and took a black credit card from his wallet, handing it to me. "Get whatever you all need. Don't worry about the cost."

"We can't accept this," Erin said in surprise, staring at the unlimited card. "That's too generous."

"Consider it a fresh start gift," Nathan insisted, his tone brooking no refusal. "Everyone deserves a chance to redefine themselves, and starting with the wardrobe isn't a bad idea."

I noticed Erin stealing glances at Austin, her eyes shimmering with something special. Interesting...

"Austin, you should come too," I suddenly suggested, seeing him look up in surprise. "We need a male perspective, and you could use some new clothes yourself."

Austin hesitated, uncertainty in his eyes. "I don't know..."

"Come on," Erin encouraged softly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "It'll be fun."

Just as Austin nodded, the scent of bacon wafted from the skillet, and a wave of intense nausea swept over me. I barely had time to apologize before rushing to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, Nathan knocked on the door. "Lira? Are you okay?"

I wiped my mouth, feeling weak. "I'm fine, probably just an upset stomach."

Returning to the kitchen, everyone gave me concerned looks. Nathan frowned, checking my temperature. "Maybe you should rest today. We can go shopping another time."

"No," I shook my head firmly. "I want to go with everyone. This is important for all of us. It's part of our fresh start."

Before we headed out, I took a deep breath, deciding it was time. "Everyone, wait," I began. "Before we leave, there's something I want to say."

Everyone stopped, looking at me with curiosity.

"These past few days with you all have made me realize something," I started, my heart racing. "We're all souls abandoned by fate, all looking for a place to call home."

"I want you all to stay," I continued, my voice steady. "Not temporarily, but permanently. This house is big, with plenty of room. I want this to become our home. A real home."

The room fell silent as everyone exchanged shocked glances.

"That's incredibly generous," Margaret finally spoke, tears in her eyes. "But we don't want to be a burden."

"You're not a burden," I said firmly. "On the contrary, you're a gift. You can teach me to control my abilities, and we can help each other, support each other."

"But this is your and Nathan's home," Austin pointed out, his expression hesitant. "We don't want to intrude on your privacy."

"There's enough space," Nathan said calmly, standing beside me. "And Lira's right, we can learn from each other, help each other."

Lily bit her lip: "Are you sure, Lira? Our past... the things we've done... that doesn't bother you?"

"I don't care about the past," I said sincerely. "I care about now, about the future. About the home we can create together."

Everyone was quiet for a moment, digesting my proposal. Then Zoe stood up, hope flickering in her eyes: "Lira, thank you. You've given us a chance to be reborn." She paused, "Would you... would you be our new leader, Lira?"