The sky over Avernon City that day was a pristine, cloudless blue, as if nature itself recognized that the sovereign was celebrating the day of his birth. The Devano family's super-luxury yacht, The Seraphina, sat moored at a private dock, draped in decorations that were elegant yet undeniably grand.
Anna stepped onto the deck, leading Lucifer by the hand; the toddler was dressed in a tiny sailor suit, complete with a matching hat. Behind them, Alaric followed with a commanding stride, wearing a white linen shirt with the top buttons undone, radiating an aura of relaxed yet dominant "old money."
"Did you really hire an entire crew just for a lunch for three, Anna?" Alaric asked, coiling his arm around her waist and pulling her flush against him as they ascended to the main deck.
"It's your birthday, Alaric. I want you away from your phone, away from the 'Robot,' and far from the noise of the city," Anna whispered with a sweet smile.
