A long dining table had been beautifully arranged with flickering candles, elegant floral centrepieces, crystal glasses, and spotless silverware. The guests took their seats around it as a row of servers began presenting a magnificent seven-course meal, bringing out the dishes one by one.
Alester sat at the head of the table with Portia on his right, while Aliana occupied the seat to his left, with Gavriel beside her. Next sat Cillian, followed by Jade. Opposite them were Jade's parents, Alec and Nina Ross, while the remaining seats were occupied by Aliana's extended family members.
Dinner commenced with lively chatter across the table, the conversations flowing smoothly as the evening progressed.
But even as the atmosphere remained as lively and warm as it could possibly be, the sense of dread over what was to come later never left Aliana.
Gavriel remained attentive to her throughout the evening.
