Chapter 23

Briar’s POV

The smell of pancakes and bacon greeted me as I stepped into the kitchen, Finn and Luna running ahead of me. Kai stood at the stove, his movements precise as he flipped pancakes onto a growing stack. Kylan leaned casually against the counter, munching on a piece of bacon with his trademark smirk.

"Good morning," Kylan said, giving me a once-over. "Sleep well?"

"Better than I expected, considering the circus in my house," I replied, making a beeline for the stack of pancakes.

As I reached out to grab one, Kai’s hand shot out, snapping my wrist lightly.

"It’s bad manners to pick at food before it’s served," he said, his voice as calm and commanding as ever.

I glared at him, pulling my hand back. "It’s bad manners to invade someone’s home uninvited, but I don’t see you apologizing."

Kylan choked on his bacon, clearly trying to hold back a laugh.

Kai’s lips twitched, thou