Late afternoon sunlight spilled across Dragon estate, turning the gardens gold and softening the sharp edges of the world beyond its gates. Inside, laughter echoed. Real laughter, the kind that hadn’t visited these halls often enough lately. Phoe darted across the sitting room, socked feet sliding against polished floors as Amir chased after him at a pace that suggested he could catch the boy easily… but chose not to. “You cheated!” Phoe squealed. “I absolutely did not,” Amir replied smoothly. “You took longer steps!” “That is the advantage of adulthood.” Apollo watched from his chair, one ankle resting over his knee, a quiet smile tugging at his mouth. Jess leaned into his side, her head resting comfortably against his shoulder. This. This was what safety looked like. Not silence. Not perfection. Just people learning how to breathe together again. Phoe finally collapsed onto the rug dramatically. “I’m tired.” Amir dropped beside him without hesitation.
Last Updated : 2026-02-17 Read more