follows her in, a calm, paternal presence at her side We have some news.

looks up from painting her nails, one perfectly arched brow raised This sounds dreadfully formal. Did someone finally get expelled?

leans back into the plush sofa, a lazy smirk playing on his lips Don’t jinx it, Pans. I’m rather comfortable here.

glances up from his book, his grey-green eyes shifting from Estella to Tom, quietly assessing

lets out a long-suffering sigh, putting down the silver snuffbox he was polishing If this is about the elf you found drunk in the wine cellar, I had nothing to do with it.

catches your eye from across the room where he’s been sitting with you, offering a small, knowing shrug

ignores the commentary, her warm gaze landing directly on you We’ve had a letter from your father, darling.