Carter sat on the couch, gently stroking Thistle's shimmering feathers. The moonlight owl cooed softly, tilting her head to enjoy the attention. Carter smiled warmly, his voice calm and filled with reassurance as he spoke. "Thistle, you're part of the team now. And I already have a job for you."
Thistle blinked her intelligent golden eyes at him, her head tilting slightly as if to signal her interest. "You'll act as our messenger and guardian," Carter continued, his tone steady. "Your night vision will be invaluable while we're asleep. If anyone approaches or threatens our home, I know you'll be the first to see it. And your aerial reconnaissance skills will help keep our family safe."
Thistle let out a soft, determined hoot, her feathers ruffling slightly as if accepting the responsibility. Carter chuckled, his hand moving gently over her sleek plumage. "I knew you'd be up for it. You're incredible, Thistle."
Aria, leaning against the armrest of a chair nearby, smiled as she watched the interaction. "She really is amazing," she said, her voice carrying a mix of admiration and fondness. "You have a knack for finding extraordinary creatures, Carter."
Raena, standing protectively by the window, nodded. "She's perfect for the team," she said, her tone firm but warm. "A guardian from above fits well with what we're building here." Her fierce loyalty was evident in her approving expression.
Lily, sitting cross-legged on the floor with Ivy curled up next to her, chimed in enthusiastically. "Thistle is so cool! Ivy, you have a big sister now!"
Ivy, wagging her tail, made a soft noise and tilted her head toward Thistle, who responded with a quiet, melodious hoot. The two creatures seemed to have a moment of understanding, and Carter couldn't help but laugh.
"Look at that," he said, gesturing toward the pair. "They're already getting along. Ivy, you'll always be my number one partner, but Thistle is here to help us too. She's a friend and a sister to you."
Ivy wagged her tail more vigorously before jumping onto Carter's shoulder, cuddling up to his face. The room filled with light laughter as everyone took in the heartwarming scene.
"They're like siblings already," Aria said with a smirk. "You're really building quite the unique family here, Carter."
Carter glanced at Elara, who had been watching the interaction quietly, a soft smile playing on her lips. He met her gaze and asked, "Elara, are you staying here tonight, or do you want to head back to the city?"
Elara's cheeks tinged with a faint blush as she looked away for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I think… I'd like to stay," she said softly. "This place feels so peaceful. It's… different from the city. Besides, I'd like to spend more time with everyone here. It's starting to feel like home."
Lily beamed at her. "Yay! Big sister Elara is staying the night!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands.
Aria chuckled, giving Carter a knowing look. "Looks like our family really is growing by the day."
Carter grinned, leaning back and looking at everyone around him. "I wouldn't have it any other way." Thistle let out a gentle hoot, as if agreeing, while Ivy snuggled against his neck. The room felt warm, filled with laughter and the unmistakable bond of a family coming together.
Lily let out a long yawn, her eyes blinking sleepily as she tried to keep herself awake. Carter chuckled, noticing her drooping eyelids.
"Looks like someone's getting tired," Carter said with a warm smile. "I guess it's time for bed."
Lily rubbed her eyes but didn't protest as Carter leaned down and scooped her up into his arms. She snuggled against his chest, letting out another small yawn. Aria followed behind them, a playful grin on her face.
As they walked toward Lily's room, Carter glanced at Aria with a smirk. "You know, carrying her like this makes me feel like the ultimate big brother."
Aria giggled. "Well, you do have the role down perfectly. But let's not forget, you're also my partner, so no slacking off."
Carter raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Oh? Is that your way of saying I'm doing a great job at both?"
Aria playfully rolled her eyes. "Don't let it go to your head, Carter."
The two of them exchanged flirtatious glances and soft laughter as they entered Lily's room. Carter carefully laid Lily down on her bed, adjusting her pillow to make her comfortable. Aria pulled the covers over her, tucking her in snugly. Lily's half-closed eyes fluttered open briefly, and she murmured sleepily, "Good night, big brother... Aria..."
Carter smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Good night, little sister. Sweet dreams."
Aria leaned down and whispered, "Sleep tight, Lily."
Lily gave a faint smile before rolling over, clutching her blanket tightly. Carter and Aria quietly turned off the light and stepped out of the room, softly closing the door behind them.
In the dim hallway, Carter turned to Aria, his eyes full of warmth. Without a word, he leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. "I appreciate you, Aria," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "For everything you've done and continue to do."
Aria's cheeks flushed, and she smiled, her red eyes shining. "You have no idea how much that means to me, Carter. I appreciate you just as much."
They stood there for a moment, sharing a quiet, heartfelt gaze before Aria playfully nudged him. "Come on, partner. Let's get some rest too. We've got a big day tomorrow."
Carter chuckled and nodded. "Alright, let's go."
Hand in hand, they walked down the hallway, their bond feeling stronger than ever as the quiet night enveloped the treehouse.
Carter and Aria walked out of the hallway, entering the living room where Raena and Elara were sitting on the couch, chatting softly. Carter smiled warmly at them. "Well, what about you girls? Are you planning to sleep soon or stay up for a while longer?"
Raena glanced at Elara, then at Carter, her protective demeanor softening. "I think I'll stay up a bit longer. Too much energy to sleep just yet."
Elara nodded, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Same here. The night is still young, and the company's good."
Aria smirked, leaning lightly against Carter. "I'll probably stay up with them for a bit. Girl talk and all that."
Carter chuckled, his gaze softening as he looked at them. "Alright, fair enough. Well, I'm heading to bed. Good night, beautiful ladies." He turned to Aria, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Don't stay up too late, okay?"
Aria gave him a teasing grin. "We'll see. Sweet dreams, Carter."
Raena and Elara joined in, their voices light. "Good night, Carter."
Carter waved as he made his way to his room, leaving the three women in the living room. Once the door to his room closed, Aria turned to the other two, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alright, ladies. Now that the man of the house is asleep, let's talk."
Elara laughed softly, though her cheeks turned a shade of pink. "What about?"
Aria leaned in closer, a knowing smile on her face. "So, Elara. Tell me your true feelings about everything. Just like me, you've known Carter for only a week. What moment made you like him?"
Elara's blush deepened as she looked away for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Well..." She hesitated, her voice soft. "It's not just one moment. It's the way he treats everyone. He's kind, thoughtful, and... he's always willing to help without expecting anything in return. When he showed me his connection to nature, the way he spoke to the forest, it was like he wasn't just connected to the earth—he was part of it. It's hard not to admire that."
Aria's teasing smile softened into something more genuine. "I get that. He does have a way of surprising people, doesn't he?"
Elara looked at her, her blush still faint but her gaze more confident. "What about you, Aria? You're his partner now. What made you fall for him?"
Aria leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Honestly? It was the way he cared so deeply, even when he didn't have to. When he first came to the shop and talked about his dreams of helping others through his potions, I saw something in him. Then, when he stood by me, supported me, and made me feel like I wasn't alone, I couldn't help it. And he's not bad to look at either," she added with a wink, earning a laugh from both Elara and Raena.
Raena, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke up. "He's... different. Not like other people I've met. There's strength in him, but also so much kindness. It's rare to see both in someone."
Aria smirked, glancing at Raena. "And here I thought you were just in it for the pledge."
Raena's cheeks tinged pink, but she crossed her arms. "It's part of my culture, yes, but it doesn't mean I don't respect him."
Elara smiled, her gaze softening. "He has a way of bringing people together, doesn't he?"
Aria nodded. "He does. And it's only the beginning." The three women shared a moment of comfortable silence before diving into more lighthearted conversations, the night carrying their laughter through the cozy treehouse.