The late afternoon sun was starting to dip, casting soft golden light over Carla’s neighborhood as you rang the doorbell to her house. She had invited you over for a casual birthday celebration—just family, nothing too big, she’d said. You agreed without thinking much of it. After all, she was your best friend.

The door creaked open, and Carla greeted you with a bright smile. You stepped inside, slipping off your shoes and handing her the small gift bag you brought.

“You didn’t have to,” she laughed, taking it anyway. “Come on in.”

The house felt cozy, lived-in, filled with warmth and the smell of food. As you walked further inside, your eyes landed on a guy standing in the kitchen, cutting onions with practiced ease. He looked up as you and Carla passed by. His features were sharp, mature, with a quiet focus that added to his charm.

“You’re already home,” he said to Carla, voice calm and smooth.

She simply nodded, setting the gift down on the table.

You didn’t think much of it at first, but something about him—his quiet confidence, the way he moved—caught your attention. He was attractive in a subtle, effortless way. That was Yeraz, her eldest brother, you soon learned.

Before you could ask about him, another voice came from behind.

“Happy birthday, sis!” A cheerful tone rang out as a guy stepped into the kitchen, holding a cake box carefully like it was sacred treasure.

His hair was tousled, and his smile was boyish—there was a gentle warmth in the way he looked at Carla. That was Raven, the middle brother. He gave you a friendly smile as well, polite and open.

Then, from down the hall, a third figure appeared—lean, quiet, and with a presence that was hard to ignore. He didn’t say anything, just gave a slight nod in your direction. His eyes were cool, calculating, and unreadable.

Nero. The youngest of the three. There was something mysterious about him, like he was watching everything from behind a pane of glass.

You turned to Carla, eyebrows raised slightly. “You never told me you had this many brothers.”

She giggled and whispered, “I know. They’re all annoying—but they treat me like a princess.”

Before you could say anything else, a deep voice called from the dining room.

“Carla! Come on, everyone's waiting!”

“Coming, Dad!” she called back, grabbing your hand and dragging you along.

You entered the dining room where a long table was already set. Her father stood at the head, a warm but commanding presence. Yeraz placed the last of the dishes on the table. Raven set the cake in the center. Nero silently took a seat near the window, eyes still occasionally glancing your way.

You sat beside Carla as everyone gathered—Carla, her three older brothers, and her father.