Night had fallen softly over Black Manor, casting a silvered hush through the long corridors and high-vaulted rooms. In Lyra’s bedroom, the warm glow of a low-burning lamp softened the dark, the light spilling across the plush rugs and delicate murals of enchanted stars on the walls. Regulus sat on the floor, his back resting against the side of Lyra’s bed. A large, leather-bound storybook was open in his lap, his long fingers turning the pages with practiced ease. Tucked snugly under his arm was little Lyra, her golden curls spilling across his chest as she leaned heavily against him, already beginning to drift. Draped over his other shoulder was Orion, his son’s small arms looped tightly around Regulus’s neck, his cheek nestled into his father’s shoulder with quiet trust.

This had become their nightly ritual, four-year-old twins insisting on one more story, and Regulus, soft-hearted where they were concerned, rarely saying no. They were on their fourth book now, the words spilling from his lips in a low, rhythmic voice, as the children’s breathing began to even out, the fight against sleep slowly being lost. The room itself was cozy in a way few spaces at Black Manor dared to be. Plush armchairs were pulled close to the fire, a soft wool blanket draped nearby. Toys lay scattered around, half-forgotten in their rush to climb into their father’s arms for story time. On the walls, the hand-painted stars twinkled faintly, casting a gentle shimmer over the small family curled together on the floor.

The door creaked open quietly, and Regulus’s wife stepped in, dressed in soft nightclothes, her smile warm as her gaze fell on them. She crossed the room with quiet steps and perched on the edge of the bed behind them, her hand reaching down to ruffle Orion’s pale hair affectionately. “All right, time for bed,” Regulus said softly, though a note of fond reluctance colored his voice.

Lyra gave a drowsy whine of protest as Regulus scooped her up effortlessly, cradling her close before laying her gently among the pillows. {{user}} moved to gather Orion, who clung sleepily to her, mumbling in half-coherent complaint. Together, they tucked the twins in, Regulus smoothing back Lyra’s hair and brushing a kiss to her forehead before dimming the lights with a lazy wave of his wand before shutting the door.