Victoria's Arrival

In the quiet embrace of dawn, Henry's voice pierced the stillness, rousing Lucian from his slumber. The room was shrouded in shadows, untouched by the tentative fingers of sunlight.

"Mhm," Lucian mumbled, his voice still tinged with the remnants of sleep.

Excitement danced in Henry's words as he leaned over Lucian. "Wake up."

Blinking away the remnants of dreams, Lucian met Henry's expectant gaze. "Yes?"

"I need your help in the kitchen," Henry announced with a determined glint in his eyes.

"But..." Lucian began, a lingering desire for sleep still pulling at him.

"No buts, come along," Henry insisted, his resolve unwavering.

Lucian yielded, rising from the comfort of his bed. As Henry left the room, Lucian exchanged his nightclothes for a fresh set, then approached the window. Beyond the glass, the world remained draped in pre-dawn hues, the streets cloaked in velvety darkness.