Siren gave him a blank look. Ruth chuckled and gestured towards the numerous shopping bags piled up in the corner of the shed.

"Sam and I went shopping for our new nephew," he explained, his tone light.

Sam's excitement couldn't be contained as he interjected eagerly, "Yes! The boy is adorable. When will we get to see him?"

"It's a school day. I'll pick him up in the evening," Siren stated matter-of-factly and busied herself with the other work in the shed.

Ruth nodded in agreement. "Then we'll accompany you," he confirmed, rolling up his shirt sleeves as he followed Alex. 

Having taken a day off from the bar, he intended to spend the day in the shed. Alex had mentioned that the crew was working on a new engine prototype, a prospect that piqued Ruth's curiosity. He expressed his interest to Alex, offering to lend a hand where needed.

Once Alex and Ruth left the place, Sam sidled up to Siren with a mischievous gleam in his eye. He wiggled his eyebrows playfully and inquired in a low voice, "Baby, how was your first night with your husband?" 

Siren met Sam's gaze with a measured look, her thoughts drifting back to the events of the previous night with Raven. Despite his outward demeanour of gentleness and consideration, she knew that it was all a facade. Raven had refrained from any inappropriate gestures, opting instead for a simple hug and cuddle, yet Siren remained wary of his intentions.

Siren couldn't help but notice Raven's frequent action of enveloping her in his arms, drawing her close to him. She couldn't shake off the feeling that he was training her to get used to his presence and touch as if fattening the goat over time only to be devoured as a whole in the end.

When he wrapped his arms around her, a darkness deeper than her own seemed to envelop her. His touch was not a beacon of light, but rather a comforting cloak of darkness that mirrored the shadows lurking within Siren's own heart.

She snapped out of her reverie and met Sam's expectant gaze, his silver eyes gleaming like stars hungry for juicy details.

"It was fine," she replied curtly, resuming her work without further indulgence in that topic.

Sam's expression fell at her lacklustre response, his lips forming a pout as he leaned in closer. 

"Come on, baby, don't tell me you didn't have a little fun rolling around the bed with the infamous Raven Grey. Or perhaps his performance didn't quite meet your expectations?" 

His tone carried the usual teasing banter, but buried beneath was a twinge of genuine concern. After all, what good was a dashing exterior if the engine beneath sputtered more than it roared? He wondered if Raven's engine was more like a lawnmower than a sports car.

His inner turmoil came to an abrupt halt when he sensed the chilling aura next to him. He turned to see Siren, who was glaring at him fiercely. 

“Err” He raised his hands in surrender. 

As the evening approached, Siren and her friends went to Imperial Academy to pick up Aiden. The dashing presence of the trio attracted many people who came to pick up their children from the school earning them more than a few curious glances from the other parents.

Aiden, catching sight of his mother waiting at the gate as usual, dashed towards her, oblivious to the world around him. Siren smiled and she reached out to scoop him up into her arms as he reached her.

"Mommy!" Aiden called out, his voice laced with playful charm.

“Oh my” Sam exclaimed clutching his heart at Aiden’s cuteness. He leaned on Ruth’s shoulder and wiped his dramatic tears and said, “My baby has a baby now”.

Ruth glanced down at his boyfriend, who was wiping his non-existent snot on the sleeves of his shirt, and couldn't help but shake his head in amusement.

Aiden turned to see two new figures standing beside his mother, his head tilting in confusion. Sensing his bewilderment, Siren ruffled his hair and introduced her friends.

"This is Ruth, and this is Sam. They're my friends,"

Sam, the ever devoted admirer of children, pushed Ruth aside and eagerly jumped in front of Siren. With a grin, he swiftly snatched Aiden from her arms.

"Hello, My little Aiden!" Sam exclaimed with enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Your mother is my first baby, and now you're going to be my second sweet baby," he declared dominantly and rubbed his cheek with Aiden’s soft cheeks.

Aiden who was suddenly squeezed like a meatball couldn’t help but frown from the unfamiliar touch. Yet, knowing they were his mother's friends, he understood the importance of gaining their favour. So, he patiently endured as Sam continued to rub his cheek to his heart's content.

Once Sam was satisfied with his cheek-rubbing antics, he gently set Aiden down on the ground. Aiden the “ever obedient child” bowed at them and greeted them sweetly, "Hello, Uncle Sam. Hello, Uncle Ruth."

Sam awed at the child’s cuteness and couldn’t help but leaned down to smooch his cheeks once more. Aiden, in turn, marvelled at the man's silver hair and eyes, finding them oddly beautiful.

Meanwhile, Ruth approached Aiden and patted his hair, “Good boy” 

Aiden looked up at the man, noticing his tall and strong stature, reminiscent of his father's. The black-rimmed glasses framing his eyes only added to the powerful aura he exuded.

He thanked his new uncle for his compliment and the trio climbed into the car and headed towards the local stalls for an evening snack.