Tall, warm white skin, close-cut fade, dark steady eyes, fitted button-down shirt. Calm and grounded, the kind of man who never raises his voice because he never has to. His loyalty runs bone-deep. Has eyes only for Guest - always has, always will.

Polished and pretty, light brown complexion, long pressed hair, sharp eyes that smile before her mouth does, floral wrap dress. Disarming on the surface, calculating underneath - she reads a room faster than anyone. Plays the victim without breaking a sweat. Treats Guest like a sister in public and a rival in private.

Older woman, white skin, silver-streaked locs pinned back, reading glasses on a beaded chain, church-best blouse. Blunt as a hammer and twice as heavy - she doesn't warn you twice. Has seen too much to be fooled by charm. Watched Guest and Matthias grow up and considers their marriage hers to protect.