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The soft chime of the doorbell echoed through the quiet house as Mira glanced at the clock. Right on time.
She had spoken briefly with the woman on the phone a few days earlier — Adele. The conversation had been pleasant, polite, but Mira's instincts had stirred faintly. She trusted Dave, of course. But this was… new. Unexpected.
Dave entered from the hallway, hands casually tucked into his pockets. "That should be them."
Mira gave him a small nod. "Let's see your friends then."
Dave opened the door, revealing Adele standing gracefully on the porch, dressed in a simple but elegant light grey coat that blended perfectly with her human appearance. The twins stood just behind her — Zei calm and composed, Zyra practically glowing with excitement.
Adele's smile was warm, as though this were nothing more than a routine visit.
"Mira," she greeted softly, extending her hand. "It's wonderful to finally meet you in person."
Mira took her hand, shaking it firmly while studying her face with quiet precision. "Adele. Welcome."
Adele's voice was gentle but confident, as if she had practiced this role for years. "Thank you for receiving us. I realize this is a rather unusual request, but your kindness means a great deal."
Mira stepped aside to let them in. "Come in. You spoke well on the phone, but you'll understand if I prefer to meet those involved directly."
"Of course." Adele's eyes briefly scanned the house with a curious softness. "This is a beautiful home."
The twins followed quietly, their eyes darting around, subtly fascinated by the ordinary human world they were now stepping into.
Once they settled into the living room, Mira poured tea as always, maintaining her calm presence. But beneath her composed smile, her divine senses continued to brush against Adele's aura, finding… nothing unusual. It was almost too clean.
"So," Mira began as she handed Adele a cup. "Dave tells me you've been his friends online for some time?"
Adele smiled lightly, nodding. "Yes. The twins were rather isolated for most of their lives. I encouraged them to interact more with people their own age. Dave's been a wonderful influence."
Mira turned her eyes briefly to Dave, raising a brow. "A wonderful influence, hmm?"
Dave gave a small, almost defensive grin. "Hey, I'm not that bad."
Zyra giggled softly. "He's been very kind, Miss Mira."
"I see." Mira's gaze lingered for a moment, still reading between every word.
Adele continued, her tone naturally flowing, perfectly blending truth with illusion. "Their parents are currently… unavailable. Some personal matters overseas that will take time to resolve. I didn't want the twins left in an unfamiliar place without support. Dave was kind enough to offer them a place here."
Mira sipped her tea quietly before responding. "That's very considerate of you. I must admit, I wasn't aware Dave had become so… social."
"Well," Adele replied softly, "sometimes we find connections where we least expect them."
Mira's eyes narrowed slightly, not out of suspicion, but mild curiosity. "And your business trip?"
"I work in international logistics," Adele answered smoothly. "A rather busy field. Unfortunately, I'll be pulled away for several months, and with everything happening in their family… it felt safest to leave them under someone I trust."
Mira sat back, allowing her words to settle. "I appreciate that you've taken steps to ensure their wellbeing." She glanced again at the twins, studying them quietly. "Zei. Zyra. You both seem very well-mannered."
"Thank you, Miss Mira," Zei said calmly.
"We're grateful for the opportunity to stay here," Zyra added brightly.
Mira's expression softened. "I imagine you'll enjoy school here. And, of course, Dave will show you around."
Dave gave a small wave. "Yeah. They'll blend in fine."
For a moment, Mira's eyes flicked back to Adele. That faint tug on her divine senses still lingered — like something deliberately veiled, but not dangerous. Adele's presence was perfectly neutral, carefully constructed.
"I don't mind helping, Adele," Mira finally said. "They're welcome here. But I will be keeping a close eye, as I always do."
"That's all I could ask," Adele replied sincerely, her voice warm and steady. "I trust your care."
Then, as if sensing the awkward pause, Mira smiled playfully and looked at Dave. "And who knows, perhaps young Zyra will keep you busy enough that you'll finally stop locking yourself in your room all day."
Dave blinked, caught completely off guard. "Mira—"
Zyra's cheeks flushed lightly as she let out a small, embarrassed laugh. "Miss Mira, we're only friends!"
Mira chuckled softly, waving her hand dismissively. "Of course, of course. Just teasing." She sipped her tea again with a grin.
Adele smiled politely, hiding her amusement as Dave tried to shake off the awkwardness.
The rest of the evening passed with light conversation, simple explanations, and laughter filling the house. By the end, Mira's curiosity remained, but her concerns were quieted. Everything seemed… harmless.
When Adele finally rose to leave, she turned to Mira with a final graceful nod. "Thank you again. I'll be in touch if anything changes."
Mira stood as well. "Safe travels, Adele."
Their eyes locked for a brief second — a subtle tension neither fully acknowledged.
As Adele stepped out into the cool evening air, Dave closed the door behind her, letting out a small breath.
Mira turned back toward him, her voice calm but filled with her usual soft wisdom. "You're growing up, Dave. Meeting new people. Opening doors. Just… stay careful."
"I always am," Dave said with a smile.
Mira didn't reply — but her eyes lingered on him a moment longer before she turned and walked away.
Beneath the comfort of that evening, none of them spoke of the invisible strings being pulled — nor of the silent war that was only beginning to stir.