The Devano Mansion had never been so serene, yet it had never been so loud. Aletheia, having become increasingly adept at climbing, now viewed every piece of furniture as a summit waiting to be conquered.
That afternoon, Theia spotted a door slightly ajar on the upper floor. It was Alaric's private "War Room," the sanctum where he monitored every business move and security pulse in Avernon City. She tiptoed inside, her eyes widening at the hundreds of monitors glowing in a kaleidoscope of colors.
"Wow... so many TVs!" she chirped.
She scrambled up into Alaric's oversized leather chair and began pressing buttons on the control console. Suddenly, one of the massive screens flickered to life, showing a live feed of the mansion's kitchen.
"Ma! Ma!" Theia giggled, seeing Anna on the screen slicing fruit. She reached out to touch Anna's face on the monitor, mesmerized by the magic of seeing her mother there.
