The air was filled with the rich fragrance of black tea, mingled with the sweet, warm scent of fresh scones.
A round table was covered with a pristine white linen tablecloth, set with a silver teapot, porcelain cups, and several small plates of delicate pastries and jam.
Aurora sat at the head of the table, gracefully pouring tea for the others. She was dressed in a pale yellow housedress, her golden hair loosely pinned up, giving her a gentle and leisurely air.
Murphy sat to her left, dressed in his usual dark blue attire. His expression was calm, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the children at the table.
Kaiden sat next to Murphy. The twelve-year-old seemed to have grown taller in the past few months. The baby fat on his cheeks had started to recede, and his features were beginning to take on a handsome, boyish definition.
He wore a brown short coat, practical for movement, and his eyes were bright with the unique energy of his age.
