first thanks giving

“Will you all be staying for dinner?” Beth asked warmly, her eyes resting on Seth first, then drifting to each Fate who had entered her home. She smiled, radiating a rare joy, waiting patiently for their response.

Charlene, donning a matching apron with her grandmother, stood beside her with a hopeful grin, bouncing slightly on her toes. She glanced from Seth to her grandma, silently pleading for the answer she wanted to hear.

They all knew what she wanted—especially Seth.

Charlene couldn’t contain herself any longer. She began tugging at her father’s sleeve with all the charm of a child trying to win a trip to the candy store.

To Charlene, this moment was magical. To Seth, it was complicated. Beth was kind, gentle—but also passive. Her refusal to stand up to Odo had led to a childhood Seth would never forget… or forgive. Still, he wouldn’t bring up the past in front of everyone. He’d remain courteous, calm. Polite. Because that’s what was expected.

But inside? Inside, he burned with questions. Why had she stood her ground earlier—only to return to this quiet, submissive posture? Had sixteen years apart changed her?

“If it means that much to you…” Seth began.

Charlene lit up like a sparkler.

“…Yes, the princess will stay for dinner,” Destiny interjected smoothly. She glanced over at Odo, whose face remained unreadable as ever. “We’ll all stay—if that’s all right with you, Beth… Odo.”

Beth clasped her hands in delight. “Oh, wonderful! I made so much food! I remember the large delegation you brought to the great hall this morning. Everyone is welcome. There’s plenty for all.”

Charlene spun toward Seth. “You have no idea how much she made! And she used an oven, Dad! She’s been cooking since she got home from the hall!”

They turned the corner toward the dining room—and jaws dropped.

The room was a museum of craftsmanship: heirloom-quality furniture, hand-turned table legs, moisture-resistant lacquer gleaming under golden lighting, and enormous crown moldings that wrapped the room in regal elegance. Chandeliers dripped crystals from ceiling medallions as large as shields.

Seth opened a portal and summoned the others who had stayed behind: the twins, Professor E, Tabitha, Issa, and Idris. As they entered, each one touched their mark and changed into formal dinner attire.

Beth nearly gasped with joy. “Oh my, you didn’t have to dress up! But you all look marvelous. Please, make yourselves at home!”

They each pulled out a chair, marveling at the home-sewn placemats and the towering harvest centerpiece that dominated the table. The atmosphere was cozy and celebratory—a picture-perfect Thanksgiving spread.

Beth took a moment to listen to the hum of conversation. Joy shimmered in the air. Her chest tightened. They were so happy together. So unified. She looked over at Odo—and anger flared like a lit match. He had stolen this from her. All these years of connection and laughter, gone because of his arrogance. She gripped the butter knife until her knuckles turned white.

Destiny noticed.

“I’ll help you in the kitchen,” Destiny said gently, standing. Charlene followed instinctively.

As they entered the kitchen, Destiny closed the door behind them. “Beth, what’s really going on?”

Beth forced a tight smile. “What do you mean? Everything’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. I felt your energy shift. There was… killing intent. That wasn’t just stress.”

Beth sighed, tears springing to her eyes. “I’m just… a little jealous, okay?”

Charlene’s heart broke a little. “Why, Grandma? You’re part of the family too.”

“You don’t know how many nights I sat alone, knowing exactly where you were… and being forbidden to say a single word.” Beth’s voice cracked. “I’ve missed so much.”

Charlene threw her arms around her. “We’re here now. That’s what matters.”

Beth wiped her face. “I’m ashamed I let him control me like that… years wasted.”

“Love makes you do stupid things,” Destiny murmured, her thoughts drifting to Argun.

Charlene raised a brow. “GiGi… you okay?”

Destiny blushed. The vibe coming off her was different—new, and definitely flustered.

“Let’s get this food on the table before it gets cold,” Destiny said, changing the subject fast. She grabbed one of the twenty-pound turkeys and marched it out.

The table soon groaned under the weight of the feast: brined turkeys glistening with herb butter, a cauldron of bubbling baked mac and cheese, apple stuffing rich with sage and sweetness, mountains of fluffy mashed potatoes, and a lake of homemade gravy. Odo couldn’t help but drizzle a generous helping over everything on his plate. The twins licked their lips. Argun tied a napkin around his neck like a cape.

Green bean casserole, sweet potatoes crowned with toasted marshmallows, roasted Brussels sprouts, and vibrant cranberry sauce surrounded a sweet potato pie that looked straight from a dream.

Charlene beamed. “Now I know where I got my love of food from.”

Beth entered last, holding a basket of steaming dinner rolls, with Destiny and Charlene right behind her carrying more. Just as everyone began to settle, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Odo said, wiping his mouth and standing.

He opened the door—and froze.

Heth and ReNew stood before him. His expression, usually stone, flickered with disbelief. “If I weren’t seeing it, I wouldn’t believe it.”

He eyed the markings on their foreheads. “You’re souls… Whose?”

“Seth and Charlene,” they said proudly.

Odo stepped back, visibly shaken. “Come in…”

As they walked past him, he remained rooted in place, his mind racing. How had he missed all this? His son. His granddaughter. The power they held. Most Fates took years to bond with their soul companions—how was Charlene already separating at sixteen?

He needed answers.

Inside, ReNew and Heth transformed into dinner attire in the hall and entered the room with ease.

“Hey, everyone!” ReNew called. Charlene had saved her a seat.

“How was patrol?” Charlene whispered, loading her friend’s plate with food.

“Clear. Not one suspicious movement.”

Charlene nodded, keeping her smile in place. “Good. We’ll talk more later.”

Seth turned to Heth. “Are you sure you want to stay? I know crowds aren’t your thing.”

“I’d like to try the turkey… with gravy,” Heth said, surprising everyone.

Beth was delighted. She handed him a full plate and pinched his cheek. “You’re just precious! I want to hear your whole story after dinner—if that’s okay, Seth?”

Seth chuckled. “Sure.”

He barely got the word out before diving into his meal.

Meanwhile, Argun had gravy streaming down his chin.

“That’s not your best look,” Idris teased.

Destiny kept wiping him with a napkin, but he waved her off like a toddler.

“Stop, woman! You’re slowing me down!”

He tore a leg off the turkey caveman-style.

Beth laughed. “You’ve got an appetite!”

She passed him more food. “Here, have more gravy!”

Destiny gave up trying to clean him and fixed herself a plate. Occasionally, she used a flick of her wrist to tidy up the worst messes, but the gravy-streaked napkin didn’t lie. The twins giggled.

Issa moved quietly to sit beside Charlene.

Her heart skipped.

It was the first time they’d spoken since the accident…