This is the first of the collaborative chapters with the lovely and talented Nicole Woodward @caffeineismymuse, I continue to be in awe of her talent and wit, and I am so grateful to have the honor of calling her friend!

As they stepped into the hall, Leo's eyes swept over the space, instinctively cataloguing everyone's position. Alexi paced along the perimeter, pausing to check in with the coronados stationed at precise intervals. Their blue uniforms were crisply pressed, their silver buttons gleaming under the soft lighting.

Across the room, Logan was deep in conversation with Maria and her children. Joseph's laughter rang out, a response to one of Logan's stories or jokes. His arm was draped protectively around Kara, holding her close. She leaned into him naturally, molding herself against his side as though they were two parts of the same being.

Leo flicked a thought toward Liam and watched as Liam turned to meet his gaze.

They're becoming very close, Liam's mind-voice observed.

And then suddenly it happened. Leo's vision exploded in a myriad of colors, rose red, pulses of orange and deep burnished gold surrounded Kara and Joseph, a nimbus of radiance. The sheer brilliance of it caught his breath.

Liam, are you seeing this? Leo thought, awe bleeding into his mental voice.

Yes silly, I'm sharing what I see with you, Liam replied, his tone laced with warmth. I am beginning to get a handle on this new sight, what you are seeing is the colors of love. I don't know how I know, but that's what my heart tells me.

Extraordinary! I wonder...

You are all midnight blue and silver, with flashes of gold, Liam interjected, answering Leo's unspoken question. Every time I look at you, you take my breath away. But now, with this new sight... you're even more breathtaking.

Liam and Leo joined Joseph, Kara, and Logan where they were gathered. Maria was engrossed in whatever Logan was saying, while Joseph was practically bouncing with excitement like an eager puppy. Liam had to maintain a serious expression to avoid laughing at the pure joy in Joseph's eyes.

"Pop! Ogi was just telling us about his new purchase and his plan to move the coven—you'll never guess where!" Joseph exclaimed, beaming at Leo.

"Let me guess," Leo said, his tone wry. "Knowing Ogi, it's somewhere that once caused me a great deal of embarrassment." He clapped Logan on the back with a grin. "Good to see you, Ogi. It's been, what? A few decades?"

"He's moving the coven to Sayward Valley!" Joseph said, his smile widening. "He bought 200 acres stretching north along the Campbell River, following both the White and Salmon River valleys. You guys will be able to go fishing whenever you want. And guess what? The estate isn't far from the spot of the Great Fish Dispute."

"The Great Fish Dispute?" Kara said.

"Apparently these two got into an argument over who caught the biggest fish and Leo ended up in the river." Liam said, hugging Leo.

"Yep, Ogi and Pops got into it over the size of their trout. In fact, I wrote a song and immortalized the whole story. Pops wasn't too amused but Ogi thought it was adorable." Joseph said, looking at Kara with a smile.

"Come on Joseph, you have to sing it for us." Liam said, wickedly.

Don't encourage him! Leo's thought shot sharply in Liam's direction.

Oh, come on, Liam thought back. We need something to brighten the mood in here. The Pierce siblings have brought enough storm clouds to last all night.

"Seriously, Joseph — sing it for us!" Liam pressed, egging him on.

Joseph sighed theatrically, though his grin betrayed his eagerness. "Alright, give me a minute to confer with the musicians," he said, dropping a kiss on Kara's head before heading to the band.

After a moment, the conductor nodded and handed Joseph a microphone.

"Welcome, everyone, to this celebration of Yule! I've been requested — no, demanded — to perform a song for your entertainment. But before I start, I think it's only fair that Logan and Leo agree to sing for us later tonight. What do you say, Ogi? Pops?" His eyes sparkled with mischief as he glanced at the two men, who were attempting to maintain stern expressions but failing miserably.

"I'll sing if Ogi sings," Leo retorted, his chin jutting out in feigned challenge.

"Oh yeah, for sure, eh?" Logan shot back, mimicking Leo's challenge.

Joseph grinned at their banter and gave the conductor a nod. As the introduction began, he turned to the crowd, winked at Kara, and stepped into the spotlight.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he declared, his voice brimming with theatrical flair, "I present to you... The Great Fish Dispute!"

https://youtu.be/4T-29sK9tXY

Verse 1: Ogi and Leo down by the creek, Each with a rod and pride to keep, Ogi's line tugged first, he gave a shout, "Look here my friend, the king of trout!"

Refrain: Oh, who caught the bigger fish? Neither one would ever wish To admit defeat on this fine day, Now someone's gonna have to pay!

Verse 2: Leo laughed and said, "That's just a minnow, Watch this catch make your pride shrink low!" His rod bent double, fish came clear, "Now that's a catch worth bragging, dear!"

(Refrain)

Verse 3: They stood there arguing tooth and nail, Each swearing their fish had a longer tail, Ogi pulled his ruler, Leo said "No way!" "Your measurements are rigged," they'd say!

(Refrain)

Verse 4: Then Ogi gave Leo a little shove, Leo wobbled like a startled dove, SPLASH! Into the creek he went, Their friendship now a bit... well, bent!

Final Refrain: Well, who caught the bigger fish? Guess we'll never know, just wish Leo had learned to swim that day, And Ogi had found a better way!

As the last notes of the song hung in the air the entire room burst into applause and cheers. Joseph returned to Kara's side as the applause faded. Maria walked over and hugged him.

"I haven't heard you sing in 50 years! I'm glad you found your voice again and I think I know who I can thank for that!" Maria said, putting her hand to Kara's cheek.

"Mama!" Joseph said.

"What? Do you think I'm blind? I can see how close you both are, you might as well admit it." Maria said, laughing.

Before Joseph could respond, the doors opened, and Tristan entered with his parents and Mercy.

Edward looked handsome and regal in his fitted black tuxedo, his tall frame and broad shoulders accentuated by the sharp lines of the suit. The fabric seemed to shimmer in the light, adding to his elegant appearance. Diana, on the other hand, looked ethereal in her cream gown. The delicate material flowed gracefully down her body, cinched at her waist with a golden chain belt. The Grecian-inspired design was evident in the one-shoulder style and draped fabric, giving her a goddess-like aura. Both of them looked absolutely stunning and complemented each other perfectly.

Tristan looked dashing in his black Dior tuxedo, the perfect fit showcasing his lean figure. The sleek fabric seemed to hug his broad shoulders and toned arms, while the sharp lines of the suit emphasized his height. Mercy was a vision in her golden Oscar De La Renta cocktail dress. The fabric flowed gracefully down her body, accentuating her curves and adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble. The intricate detailing and delicate embroidery added a touch of glamour to her outfit.

Edward and Diana made their way over to the Elders and bowed deeply.

"Your presence honors us, Ancient ones," Edward said, addressing the four with respect.

"Come now, Edward," Min-Seo replied with a laugh, waving a dismissive hand. "Let's not stand on such formality. You're far less polite when haggling with me in Singapore over pieces of the technology market!"

"My lady, everyone knows that you appreciate strength in negotiations, one does not brave the tiger by being a mouse!" Edward said, with a twinkle in his eye.

"Oh, Diana," Min-Seo said with mock exasperation as she turned to embrace her, "how do you put up with him? He's incorrigible!"

"He gets it from Leo!" Diana said, hugging her back.

Nikolai stepped forward, his booming voice filled with affection. "You look ravishing, dorogaya podruga (dear friend), Diana." He turned to Edward. "Edward, you are a fortunate man—a beautiful wife, a faithful son, and soon, a lovely daughter-in-law."

"It is good to see you again, Nikolai," Tristan greeted, shaking the Russian's large hand. He nodded respectfully to the others. "Honored Aditya, Baron Friedrich, Lady Min-Seo — it is good to see you all. We are blessed by your presence."

"Shishya (disciple) Tristan, have you continued following the path to liberation?" Aditya asked, looking at Tristan kindly.

"Yes, Guru Aditya," Tristan replied, his voice steady with conviction. "I follow the path and still work for the moment of liberation."

"Wonderful, Shishya Tristan!" Aditya said, embracing him. "I still remember you as a young man—so many questions, so much energy. At times, I despaired that you would ever learn to quiet your mind."

"It is wonderful to see you again, Guru," Mercy said, hugging him.

Aditya kissed her cheek warmly. "Mercy, you are as beautiful as ever. Tristan is a very lucky man — I hope you remind him of that every day!"

On the other side of the room, Diego stepped smoothly in front of Sofia, his body a casual but deliberate barrier between her and Harrison Sinclair, who seemed to be inching closer to the Pierce siblings with every passing minute. His voice, soft but edged with caution, broke the simmering silence between them.

"Those eyes of yours are throwing daggers again, mi querida," he murmured, the calm in his tone a sharp contrast to the warning beneath it.

Sofia let out a sharp, humorless scoff, her gaze still fixed on Harrison like a predator sizing up its prey.

"If my eyes could throw daggers, Diego, they would've hit their mark long ago," she replied coolly, though the venom in her voice was unmistakable.

Anna appeared beside her, as if summoned by the tension in the air. Without a word, she pressed a wine glass into Sofia's hand, the motion smooth but purposeful, a silent plea for restraint. "You know now isn't the time for... unpleasantness," Anna said carefully, her words as measured as her movements.

Sofia turned her gaze to Anna, but her grip on the glass remained tense, her knuckles white against the stem. "Leonidas' partner didn't even hesitate to let the VHA representatives in," Anna continued, lowering her voice. "There has to be a reason for that."

Sofia's jaw tightened, her eyes flashing with unspoken anger. "I trust Leonidas," she said, her voice low but sharp as a blade. "And I trust his partner. It's them I don't trust." She turned her glare toward a small cluster on the other side of the room — Harrison, Don Bernardo, Don Antonio, and Señorita Vasquez. Her gaze lingered on each of them, her disdain plain as day.

Diego shifted slightly, his posture unbothered but his focus on her unwavering. "Then perhaps now isn't the time to break that glass, hmm?" he said softly, nodding to the fragile wine glass in her hand.

Meanwhile, across the room, Don Antonio's entourage seemed caught in their own conversation, their whispers clipped and charged as Sinclair excused himself to approach Marlowe.

"We're not exactly getting the warmest of welcomes," Don Antonio remarked, his tone dry as his eyes scanned the room. He sniffed, clearly unimpressed. "Most likely because of your disastrous introduction the other day," he added, shooting a sharp look at Don Bernardo.

"Not that the second meeting went much better," Señorita Vasquez chimed in bitterly, her arms crossed as she surveyed the crowd. "You know they only gave us an invitation out of spite."

"Even so," Don Antonio said, his voice dropping to something just above a whisper, "better for us to be here, in the heart of it all. It's easier to gather information when you're in the room with the players." His lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Just... try not to get yourself eaten, Don Bernardo."

Don Bernardo's frown deepened as he turned toward him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Don Antonio said with a chuff of amusement, "that even though Gideon works closely with us in some respects, he makes quick work of humans he deems lesser than."

Don Bernardo's brow furrowed, but curiosity got the better of him. "And which humans qualify as 'lesser than'?"

Don Antonio leaned in and patted Don Bernardo's cheek while smirking with barely masked disdain. "Why, every human," he replied smoothly, as if the answer were obvious. He picked imaginary lint off the lapel of his pressed suit. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to see if Sofia's words are as sharp as her eyes."

He moved with the slow, deliberate grace of a predator, each step purposeful as he closed the distance to Sofia.

Diego subtly straightened, his frame remaining between Sofia and the room at large, but he didn't intercept Don Antonio. This was a battle Sofia would want to handle herself.

"Ah, Sofia," Don Antonio began, his voice rich and velvety, dripping with feigned charm. "Still as radiant as ever, though your expressions betray your discontent. Tell me, how long will you continue to rebuke the VHA's interests in El Salvador?"

Sofia's head snapped toward him, her eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "Until they find themselves in a place that isn't drenched in blood and false promises," she replied icily, her voice low enough not to draw immediate attention but sharp enough to cut through Don Antonio's facade.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused rather than offended, and leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Such fire. It's a shame, really. One might think you have something to hide, given how relentless your opposition has been. Is there something you're not telling us, Sofia?"

Sofia's grip on the wine glass tightened again, her knuckles stark white against the dark crimson of the liquid inside. She took a deliberate step closer, her chin lifting as she met his gaze head-on. "You're confusing principle with subterfuge, Don Antonio," she said with venomous calm. "It's an easy mistake for someone like you."

For a brief moment, the room seemed to hold its breath as Don Antonio's amused smirk faltered, the faintest hint of irritation flashing across his face. But before he could reply, a soft but firm voice cut through the tension.

"Don Antonio," Maria said as she approached. In anyone's else's mouth, the words would have conveyed respect, but the icy way that Maria had said them only confirmed her contempt for this pompous ass. "I see you have met my partners." Maria said, placing an arm around Sofia's waist.

"Partners?" Don Antonio said, sharply.

"Yes, we have just concluded negotiations. The Central and South American covens have entered into a cooperative alliance with the Mexican covens. We will share resources and intelligence, and usher in an age of economic prosperity for all of Central and South America."

"You, you —" Don Antonio sputtered.

"Don Antonio," Maria said, sweetly, "are you ok? Shall I have someone fetch you a drink to calm your nerves?"

At that moment Elenora decided to join the conversation.

"A cooperative alliance? The VHA must approve..."

Maria rounded on her before she could finish what she was saying.

"Child, haven't you learned not to interrupt your elders when they are speaking." Maria was still smiling but the words were delivered like the crack of a whip.

Elenora stiffened at the rebuke and narrowed her eyes.

"Oh, do put the claws away little girl, mine are bigger. Or haven't they told you who I am?" Maria said quietly.

At that moment Alexi walked up with two coronados.

"We are about to have the welcoming toast, so if you all would join us at the front of the hall." Alexi said, holding out his arm to Maria, who took it regally.

As everyone made their way to the front of the hall, Don Antonio pulled Elenora back for a word.

"Elenora, now is not the time. The gathering of power in this room could destroy the VHA. We need to be smart and hope that The Order has a plan. Better to retreat and live to fight another day."