The morning after the storm broke was deceptively calm. Their new home's wards glowed with quiet strength again, humming softly through the halls like a heartbeat beneath the stone.
For a moment, the world seemed mercifully ordinary—rain dripping from the high arches, the faint scent of damp earth seeping in through open windows, and the soothing rhythm of Nova's breathing as she slept.
But none of them had truly slept.
Samantha stirred first, half-wrapped in Marcus's arm. He had fallen asleep sitting upright on the chaise near the crib, his body rigid even in rest—like his instincts refused to let him fully relax.
Callum stood by the window, staring out at the mist rising from the rain-soaked courtyard, his wings faintly visible in the reflection.
Kai, meanwhile, had managed to fall asleep sprawled across the rug, using one of Nova's plush toys as a pillow.
It would have been funny—almost sweet—if not for the lingering pulse in the air.
