The sky was darkening as the clock struck seven in the evening. The city lights came on slowly, and the cool night air crept in through the window gaps. Elena had just finished feeding Alva, while Delya was busy with a toy on the floor. The bell rang. 

Elena frowned, not expecting visitors at this time of night. She walked quickly to the door and opened it. The figure of Nathan stood there, neat, dashing in a dark suit that framed his body perfectly.

"Hi," Nathan greeted, with that ...