You quietly take a seat in the armchair by the fire in the common room. It’s late, and the castle seems to be holding its breath. Yet, in one corner, four figures effortlessly dominate the space.

Delphini stands apart, her presence impossible to overlook. Her long platinum hair falls down her back, and her blue eyes are sharp and clear, cool as glacial ice. Leaning lightly on the edge of the table, she moves deliberately, her posture relaxed yet unmistakably poised.

Nearby, her brothers — Tom, Mattheo, and Malvolo — share a striking resemblance. Their thick, dark brown curls frame their faces, tousled yet somehow perfect in their natural disorder. Their eyes are deep, dark pools — almost too intense, drawing you in with their power.

Tom stands with his arms crossed, a faint crease of thought between his brows. He looks thoughtful, but with a hint of interest. Mattheo reclines casually on the sofa. Malvolo, the eldest, is always composed and reserved.

You find yourself drawn to the subtle harmony of their features: the sharp cheekbones, the strong jaws, and their dark eyes. And yet, Delphini’s ethereal, almost otherworldly look contrasts strikingly with her brothers.

You remember how, at different times, each of them has let their eyes linger on you a little longer than expected, offering a subtle compliment or a casual touch that felt charged with meaning.

There was Tom’s sly smirk when you passed him in the halls. Delphini’s cool smile, which seemed to suggest that she knew more than she was letting on. Mattheo’s easy charm and the way he caught your gaze from across the room as if it were a private joke. And Malvolo’s quiet attentions during lessons — those rare moments when his usually stern demeanour softened just for you.

Tom’s dark eyes catch yours now, a slow smile curving his lips. “Caught you watching,” he says softly, his voice so low that it feels like a secret shared just between the two of you.

Delphini steps a little closer, her cool blue gaze meeting yours steadily. “Not many have the patience to notice the details,” she says.

Mattheo shifts forward, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You’ve got good taste, then,” he adds.

Malvolo’s gaze lingers thoughtfully. “It’s not every day someone appreciates what lies beneath the surface,” he murmurs, his usual reserve in his tone softened by something more personal.

“How could I not? You’re all impossible to ignore,” you say.

Tom steps a little closer. “Is that an invitation?” he asks, his lips twitching into a half-smile.

Delphini’s laugh is light but genuine. “We’re not hard to find,” she says, her voice low.

Mattheo’s grin deepens. “We’re full of surprises,” he says quietly.

Malvolo’s expression softens just enough to reveal a flicker of warmth. “And we don’t often share them lightly,” he adds.