Location: Avalon University – West Garden Food Hall
It was lunchtime, and the food hall was buzzing.
Laughter bounced off glass walls. Students lounged on beanbags and velvet benches while drone waiters zipped overhead with acai bowls, lobster sliders, and infused lemon waters.
At a corner table near the garden wall, three chairs were always unofficially reserved.
Not because anyone said so—
But because the Vales sat there.
Scene: Sibling Vibe Check
Caelan leaned back in his chair, sipping iced black coffee, hoodie sleeves pushed up as he sketched out his psychology notes on a napkin.
Azra sat sideways, combat boots propped on a bench, stabbing a fork into a kale wrap she clearly hated but refused to admit.
Liora had a full brunch platter—croissant, honey-drizzled brie, and fruit-tinted lemonade—and was sipping from her straw like she was judging everyone through the ice.
Azra: "Cael, you look like you haven't slept in days."
Caelan (dry): "I haven't. The espresso machine kept me company."
Liora: "No, that was me. I heard you talking to yourself at 3 a.m. I almost called security."
Caelan rolled his eyes.
"Y'all gang up on me every meal."
Azra: "Because you're always asking for it."
Liora: "Because it's fun."
They clinked their drinks.
Perfect chaos.
Scene: New Arrivals
A voice interrupted them gently.
"Hey… uh, do you mind if we sit here?"
Three students stood a short distance from their table.
Noah Cross — tall, warm-toned skin, soft hazel eyes, layered flannel over a crisp white tee. Business major. Smiled like he meant it.
Zaria Lin — short, sharp bob dyed emerald green, petite with attitude. A fashion design prodigy. Probably already judging their outfits.
Jace Morales — curly black hair, dark brows, leaning casual with his tray but eyes watching everything. Sports science, rumored to be the future soccer captain.
There was a beat of silence.
Caelan raised an eyebrow.
Azra blinked once.
Liora smiled first.
Liora: "Sure. Sit. Just don't flirt with my brother. He's emotionally unavailable."
Caelan (without looking up): "Keep talking and I'm trading you for a plant."
They laughed. So did the newcomers.
They sat.
First Connections – Natural Flow
Noah started asking about electives.
Zaria complained about how overpriced the student store was.
Jace casually mentioned how the basketball team tried to recruit Caelan—twice.
Azra: "Let him join. Then we'll have box seats."
Caelan: "No. Then I'll have to talk to people."
Jace (grinning): "You are people."
Liora wiped tears from laughing.
Zaria leaned closer.
"You three are weirdly close. Most siblings don't hang out this much."
Azra: "Most siblings aren't interesting."
Liora: "Or hot."
Caelan: "God, please stop."
They all laughed again.
And in that moment—
The myth of the Vales cracked.
Not for everyone.
Just for these three.
System Sync – Social Integration Tier 2
Check-In Complete
– New Allies Logged: 3
– Compatibility Status: Medium to High
– Influence Radius: Expanding
System Note: "Friendship initiated.
Not everyone wants power.
Some… just want you."
Final Scene: Afternoon Splits
As lunch ended and they scattered—
Zaria promised to design something "obnoxiously bold" for Azra's next council meeting.
Noah offered to share notes for one of Liora's classes.
Jace gave Caelan a half-smirk and a lazy challenge.
"One-on-one this Friday. You and me. No audience. Just sweat."
Caelan: "Bring bandages."
And just like that, the day shifted.
The Vales weren't just whispered legends anymore.
They were real.
Human.
And finally… surrounded.