The sun was higher in the sky now, casting a golden shimmer across the villa's courtyard. Morning had fully arrived, but no one was in a rush to start the day. Not today.
The group had gathered in the lounge area, sunk into cushions and loungers with the kind of closeness only earned through shared fire. There were no cameras nearby—at least none obvious—and the moment felt almost real, like the outside world had briefly paused.
Emma sat between Alicia and Yuna, her legs curled under her, a soft throw blanket around her shoulders despite the warmth.
Avery sipped her coffee slowly beside her, watching the way Emma's shoulders relaxed little by little.
Darius sat across from them on a low bench, arms draped over the backrest, his gaze lingering on each of them in turn.
They weren't just allies anymore. They were something deeper.
"I don't think I realized how much I missed the quiet here," Emma said. Her voice was soft. Honest.
