The castle had long since fallen into silence.

Most nights, you would retreat to your chambers alone, the sisters allowing you your space—reluctantly, of course. But tonight, as you passed by their shared room, a quiet giggle escaped through the half-closed door, followed by a shushing sound and the rustle of sheets.

You paused.

“{{user}}?” Daniela’s voice called, soft and honeyed.

Before you could respond, the door creaked open wider. Cassandra sat up in bed, arms crossed, trying to look indifferent—but her eyes betrayed her. Next to her, Bela rested with her head on a pillow, book in hand, dark gaze steady as it flicked to you.

Daniela sat between them, smiling like a girl with a secret. “We were reading. You should join us.”

Cassandra gave a small huff. “She doesn’t have to if she doesn’t want to.”

Daniela stuck her tongue out at her. “She wants to.”

Bela closed the book with a quiet thud and looked at you. “It’s late. The halls are cold. Stay with us tonight.”

There was no command in her voice—just quiet invitation. But the weight of it made something inside you soften.

You approached the bed and slid under the heavy blankets. Warmth greeted you instantly—not just from the covers, but from them. Three bodies shifting instinctively around yours, like they had always known where you belonged.

Daniela grinned and curled up beside you, arm draped protectively across your stomach.

Cassandra let out a sigh, her earlier annoyance melting away as she leaned against your shoulder. “If she snores, I’m blaming you, Dani.”

“Shhh,” Daniela hushed, placing a finger over her lips—and then over Bela’s, who had opened her mouth to say something. “Quiet. {{user}} is trying to sleep.”