Later that evening, Madeline and Athena arrived at the Yates Military Residence. The house was alive with warmth — voices overlapping, cutlery clinking, laughter filling the wide dining room.
Athena sat quietly at the table, pushing her food around with her fork. Everyone else ate heartily.
Miranda noticed almost immediately.
"Athena," she said gently, setting her cutlery down, "why aren't you eating?"
Athena looked up, startled, then offered a small, practiced smile. "I'm not really hungry."
Miranda studied her for a moment — not pressing, not judging. Then she spoke softly.
"I know what happened to your family left a scar," she said. "And I know wounds like that don't heal quickly." She reached across the table. "But I want you to remember something — you're not alone anymore. The Yates family is here for you. Always."
Athena's fingers tightened around her fork. "I… I really appreciate that. All of you. Thank you."
Piper leaned forward suddenly, eyes bright. "I don't mind having another big sister!"
Shedrach chuckled. "How about this — would you like to be our goddaughter?"
Athena blinked, caught off guard. "I'll… think about it."
Madeline scoffed. "Think about what? You're already family." She grinned. "So congratulations — you're officially stuck with us."
Athena let out a soft laugh. "It's an honor to be part of such a wonderful family."
Miranda smiled. "Oh, that reminds me." She stood and reached into her pocket. "Madeline told me yesterday was your birthday."
Piper gasped dramatically. "Mom, don't tell me you've been carrying the gift around again!"
Miranda shrugged. "It's called being prepared."
She opened a small box and revealed a delicate bracelet made of deep red blood moon beads. The room quieted.
"They say this brings longevity," Miranda said as she slipped it into Athena's hand. "I hope you live a long life — even longer than your parents."
Athena's breath hitched. "Thank you… Ma. I really mean it."
Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Don't call me 'Ma.' It's either 'Mom' or 'Godmom.'"
Athena smiled softly. "Godmom."
"That's better," Miranda said, waving her hand. "Now eat before the food gets cold."
Laughter returned to the table. Plates emptied. The maids cleared the dishes.
Madeline suddenly grabbed Athena's hand. "Come on. Let's go outside."
"I should probably head home," Athena said.
Madeline tilted her head. "Can you stay with me for a bit first?"
Athena hesitated. "Are we staying here… or going out?"
Madeline's smile turned playful. "We're going out."
Athena shrugged lightly. "Okay."
"I'll tell Dino to get the car ready," Madeline said, already walking away.
Athena stayed behind for a moment, stepping into the evening air. She lifted her wrist, watching the blood moon beads catch the fading light.
For the first time in a long while, the warmth didn't feel temporary.