I hate it when a morning starts with tension in the air. The crisp dawn at our campsite should have promised a day filled with exploration and family bonding, but something felt off. I stretched, yawning, as I emerged from the tent I shared with Raven. The campfire was already crackling, with Irene and Lily preparing breakfast. Raven, still half-asleep, mumbled something about coffee and trudged towards the smell of brewing beans.
"Good morning, sunshine," I teased, ruffling Raven's messy hair. She swatted my hand away playfully, a sleepy grin on her face.
"Morning, Jade," she replied, her voice still thick with sleep.
I joined Irene by the fire, the warmth a pleasant contrast to the morning chill. Lily was fussing over the coffee pot, her back turned to us. I noticed two unfamiliar women sitting by the picnic table, chatting quietly with Elara and Seraphina, Irene's parents.
"Who are they?" I asked, nodding towards the newcomers.
