Delilah stepped back, making room for Charlotte to enter. Her movements were as elegant as ever, but there was a slight stiffness in her stride that didn't escape Charlotte's notice.

"Come in, Charlie. You're right on time," Delilah said calmly, as usual.

Charlotte stepped into the house she had visited so often in the past. The moment her foot crossed the threshold, a strange sensation prickled through her body—a sudden chill that made the hairs on her neck stand up.

Her instincts whispered that something was off here. But she dismissed it, blaming the feeling on her own excessive worry for her friend.

They walked down the hallway, and upon entering the dining room, Charlotte was surprised to see the large dining table laden with various dishes—from steak with a special sauce, pasta with tantalizing aromas of herbs, fresh salad, to desserts that looked delicious. The mouthwatering scent of food filled the room.

"Del, what is all this?" Charlotte asked, her eyes wide. "Are you throwing a party?"

Delilah smiled, her hands meticulously rearranging a napkin.

"It's for our family dinner," she replied. "I want us all to be closer. That was your suggestion back then, remember?"

Charlotte recalled their conversation a few weeks ago, before Delilah took her leave. She had suggested that Delilah spend more time with her family.

Delilah continued, "That planned dinner was canceled because Gwen had urgent business. And… you were right. We rarely eat together. I'm almost always away, and Gwen gets so immersed in her guild affairs and only just returned a few days ago."

She paused for a moment, taking a breath. "And Adam... Adam has just awakened, so he often gets exhausted and sleeps very soundly, especially after training sessions with us. So this is the first real chance we've had for a family dinner."

Charlotte then sat in the chair Delilah indicated, her eyes still fixed on her old friend with an analytical gaze.

"You... help him train?" she asked, her voice full of astonishment.

Charlotte knew perfectly well how much Delilah hated Adam—the memories of how Delilah ignored her stepson, allowed him to be tormented, perhaps even passively participated in his torture through her silence, were still fresh.

Delilah nodded. "Since Adam awakened, many things have changed. We often train together now—me, Angel, and Gwen join in too. That's what's brought us closer now."

"It was awkward at first, but... Adam has truly changed. He's not like he was before. He's more... mature," she added.

The explanation sounded logical on the surface. But Charlotte felt something was wrong. Delilah, the woman who was once so cold, who didn't care at all about what happened to Adam, had suddenly become a doting mother? It didn't make sense.

"Del," Charlotte said softly, her hand reaching for Delilah's. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Charlotte. Better than ever, in fact." She walked to the kitchen, fetching a teapot. "Would you like some tea? I just made chamomile. Good for calming the nerves. You must be tired from handling all that work while I was on leave."

"Thank you," Charlotte replied, her eyes still not leaving Delilah's movements. "It's just... I've been so worried about you. On the phone yesterday, your voice sounded strange."

"Ah, that," Delilah gave a small smile. "I wasn't feeling well then. But I'm much better now."

They continued their conversation, with Charlotte trying to probe deeper while Delilah skillfully steered the talk to safer topics—about work, the guild, the latest news in the Hunter world.

Angeline came down and joined them at the table. They talked, but for some reason, the longer Charlotte stayed in that house, the stronger her sense of unease grew.

And when the sudden sound of footsteps descending the stairs was heard, Charlotte turned toward the source. Emerging from the doorway was Adam—his face, which used to be perpetually gloomy and sullen, now radiated confidence.

.

.

.

The moment I descended the stairs and walked toward the dining room, the sight that greeted me was unexpectedly warm. Delilah, Angeline, and Charlotte sat around the dining table, which was full of delicious food.

This dinner was Delilah's idea—a celebration of our family "growing closer" and of me as their "master," as well as a replacement for the dinner that was canceled before.

As soon as I stepped into the room, Delilah and Angeline smiled at me. Delilah's smile was soft and composed, while Angeline's was bright and innocent, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Charlotte smiled too, though her gaze narrowed slightly, studying every one of my movements with practiced sharpness.

"Adam, you really look different now," Charlotte greeted warmly. "Is it because you awakened? Congratulations, by the way."

Her smile didn't fade, but her eyes remained keen. "And it seems that change brought all of you closer together."

I smiled, taking the seat to Delilah's right. "Thank you. I'm still new to being an Awakener, nothing impressive yet. I've got a lot to learn."

I turned to Delilah, offering a grateful smile. "Luckily, Mom and my sisters are patient enough to teach me. They're… very diligent when it comes to training."

Delilah and Angeline flinched slightly hearing the words "teach" and "diligent" from my mouth, their cheeks flushing briefly before they composed themselves. Delilah then said, "We're just doing what we should, Adam. As a family."

"I'm glad to hear that," Charlotte said, her eyes still shifting between my face and Delilah's. "Delilah used to... have a hard time accepting your presence. It seems your awakening has truly changed everything."

"Mom's cooking today is incredible," I praised, inhaling the aroma of the food. "Truly worthy of a celebration."

My hand naturally reached for Delilah's hand on the table, my fingers intertwining with hers. Delilah was slightly startled, but quickly returned the grasp. From the corner of my eye, I saw Charlotte noticing this small gesture.

Charlotte, who had been closely observing our interactions, finally spoke again. "Adam, Del said you all train together often now. That's a good change. What Class did you awaken?"

"Swordsman, Auntie," I answered while taking some salad. "Like my father."

Charlotte nodded, but her expression showed she was still processing this information. "And you've been tested by Ophelia?"

"Yes. Rank A."

"Rank A?" Charlotte was impressed. "That's very good for someone who just awakened. Sword Saint would be proud."

The conversation continued with lighter topics—about the academy, the upcoming tournament, the latest news in the Hunter world. I skillfully answered Charlotte's every question, painting a picture of a harmonious, supportive family.

Then, another set of footsteps was heard descending the stairs. Gwenneth appeared in the dining room doorway, wearing a simple yet elegant house dress. Her blonde hair was neatly braided, and her usually haughty face now looked... softer.

"Sorry I'm late," she said in a quiet voice.

"It's alright, Dear," Delilah greeted warmly. "Have a seat. We just started."

Gwenneth sat beside me, and for a moment, my eyes met hers. There was a flash of fear and obedience behind her gaze before she looked down, picking up her plate.

Now we were complete—Delilah at the head of the table, Angeline to her right, me to her left, Gwenneth next to me, and Charlotte across from us. A perfect family dinner table.

We began to eat, and conversation flowed warmly and familiarly. But behind this harmonious family charade, my libido raged. Seeing these four beautiful women sitting around the table made my cock throb with unbearable desire.

Lewd images flashed through my mind: bending Charlotte over this very dining table, tearing her dress, and fucking her in front of everyone. Or perhaps forcing Delilah to kneel under the table and suck my cock while we continued pretending to have a normal family dinner. Or commanding Gwenneth to unbutton her blouse and expose herself to Charlotte while explaining it was part of our family training.

But I quickly banished those thoughts.

No, my mind whispered. Let's just enjoy this warm, familial dinner peacefully. Don't taint it with lust. There would be time for more... intense games later.

"Adam, you've gone quiet," Charlotte's voice broke through my reverie. "Is something on your mind?"

I smiled, raising my wine glass. "Just thinking about how lucky I am, Aunt Charlotte. To have a family that now truly accepts me."

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