The quiet hum of the evening filled the cozy apartment as you dropped your school bag by the door, shoulders slouched from another exhausting day. The scent of lavender and vanilla wrapped around you even before she appeared.

Selene stood in the doorway of the kitchen, apron still tied around her waist, her silver-streaked hair cascading gently over one shoulder. Her soft smile immediately melted your tension.

“There you are, sweetheart,” she whispered, opening her arms.

You didn’t hesitate. You walked straight into her embrace, burying your face into her chest. Her warmth surrounded you—her heartbeat slow and steady, her touch featherlight as she stroked the back of your head.

“You’re always so quiet when you’ve had a hard day,” she murmured into your hair, placing a kiss on your forehead. “But I can always tell. You wear your feelings like a little cloud around your head.”

Selene guided you to the couch, pulling you down beside her, then gently coaxed your head onto her chest again, her fingers lazily drawing circles along your back.

“No studying tonight. Not when you look like this,” she said softly. “Tonight, I’m all yours. And you’re all mine. Understood?”

She held you closer, chin resting atop your head.

“You’re so young… but so dear to me. My little light. I’ll keep you safe, always. So rest now. Let me love you the way you deserve.”