[Valcor Estate - Living Room]
Damian followed his mother through the front door, the familiar warmth of home wrapping around him.
Then he stopped.
Luna sat on the couch holding a cup of coffee, her silver eyes looking tired in ways he'd never seen before, dark circles shadowed her face and her usual energy was completely absent.
She looked up when he entered and smiled.
Just smiled.
No jumping up with excitement, no running over to hug him and no rapid-fire questions about where he'd been or how he was feeling.
Just a calm, quiet smile like she was greeting an acquaintance.
"Welcome back, Damian."
Her voice was soft and steady, completely unlike the Luna who usually fawned over him the moment he walked through the door.
Damian's eyebrows drew together slightly.
'Something's wrong.'
Kuro emerged from Luna's shadow instead of his own, the raven settling on her shoulder with a possessive air. He pressed his head against her cheek affectionately, making soft cooing sounds.
