The duchess looked pitiful. Her clothes were covered with black stains, the same as their children's. They looked exactly like homeless people, hanging by a small tenacity and willpower.
"Poor them," Demien came forward, offering a couple of winter jackets, expecting such treatment.
The first son was the one who responded to the kind gesture. He smiled tightly and took the jacket gratefully before wearing it on his mother before proceeding to his younger siblings.
Probably understanding the burden of the firstborn in the family, Demien silently put the jacket on the older son gently.
"Thank you," the older son bowed to him.
Demien stretched a single smile on his face and ruffled the kid's sticky hair. "Take your time to breathe. You are safe now."
"Evergreen!"
Evergreen looked up at the sky.
"Did she talk to you?" Alec asked Evergreen.
"I suppose…" Evergreen turned her head to her brother.