Elian let out a slow, controlled breath, his eyes flickering between his friends and his newly found brother, Orion.
The room, which had been his quiet sanctuary just moments ago, had transformed into an unexpected whirlwind of energy.
Something about it, the way Orion's eyes gleamed with innocent excitement, the playful teasing between Niko and Aria, and even Aria's sharp, witty retorts, felt oddly comforting.
It wasn't the stillness Elian had initially craved, but it was a kind of chaos he was starting to welcome.
"Why don't we all calm down for a moment?" Elian suggested, gesturing toward the plush seating by the window. His voice was calm, but a small sigh betrayed the exhaustion that had crept up on him. The day's events had worn him down far quicker than he'd expected.
