Location: Avalon Elite Academy – Student Café, Late Morning
The student café was normally loud, energetic, full of caffeine-fueled drama and friend group gossip.
But today?
The room fell into a quiet buzz of curiosity and stunned silence.
Because at the far corner—by the large window with sunlight spilling in—sat Grayson Lysander.
And across from him?
Three goddesses.
Scene: The Spectacle of Affection
Nova Vale leaned against his shoulder, sipping from his drink like it was hers.
Arielle Vale had her legs draped across his lap, phone in one hand, the other twirling his hair.
Elina Vale sat closest, feeding him a bite of her dessert while whispering something in his ear.
They weren't being subtle.
They weren't hiding.
They were enjoying themselves.
And Grayson?
He was glowing.
Scene: The Jealous Play
Grayson (grinning at Nova): "Did you change your hair again? You're killing me."
Arielle (pouting): "You didn't notice mine when I curled it last night."
Grayson (softly): "How could I not? I'm still recovering."
Elina casually pushed Arielle's legs off his lap with her foot.
Elina: "Maybe if he wasn't being passed around like dessert, he'd have time to focus."
Grayson (smiling at her): "Don't be jealous. I love you all equally."
Nova: "Uh-huh. That's not what you said last night."
The entire café was watching.
Mouths open. Phones half-raised. Nobody dared record.
They were too busy trying to process.
Scene: Enter Zeke and Rico
Just a few tables over, Zeke and Rico had their own mini show going on.
Surrounded by three cheerleaders and two upperclass sorority girls, the two uncles were all smiles and flirtation.
Rico: "You're on the dance squad? I could tell. That rhythm doesn't lie."
Zeke (leaning back): "If you need a partner, I happen to be a champion in ballroom, street, and chaos."
The girls laughed. Blushed. Leaned closer.
Scene: The Kids' Reactions
Caelan, Azra, and Liora sat at a nearby table with their friends—Selene, Zaria, Isla, Noah, Jace—all watching with the expressions of stunned spectators at a circus they didn't sign up for.
Azra (deadpan): "So this is how they behave when we're not around."
Caelan: "They're too far gone."
Liora (muttering): "And somehow… he makes it work."
Scene: The Supernaturals' Reactions
At another table, the vampires and werewolves observed quietly.
Cassiel, Vivienne, Lucian, Kai, Nyra, and Rowan exchanged subtle glances.
Vivienne: "How does he balance all of that without imploding?"
Lucian: "He's not a man. He's an event."
Kai (nodding): "This is a performance. And we're all in the front row."
Nyra: "We need popcorn."
Final Scene: Damon's Smile
Grayson leaned back in his chair, arms around Arielle and Elina, Nova resting against his chest.
His smile was calm.
His eyes, sharp.
"Let them watch," he whispered.
"They'll remember this moment—long after I burn down their enemies."