The day had finally come—the family was heading to the airport. Everyone was in high spirits. Kenna and Arion joined the group as they packed the last of their things. Zayan held little Liam, but the toddler kept squirming in his arms, pushing his tiny fists into Zayan's face.
"Ouch, ouch! Liam!!" Zayan exclaimed, adjusting him. Liam's pout deepened as he was about to cry.
Nora descended the stairs with the twins and their travel bags, just in time to see Liam's adorably scrunched-up puppy face.
"Mama!" he cried, reaching his arms out for her.
"Mama's boy!" the twins chimed in.
Nora scooped Liam up, and he immediately stopped crying, snuggling into her chest. Max, ever the loyal companion, trotted beside Lysander as they all loaded into the cars headed for the airport.
At the terminal, Liam wouldn't stop giggling, staring up at Nora's face as they moved through check-in.
"Mama, mama, mama, mama!" he chanted gleefully.
Zayan leaned in, pretending to be jealous.
"Hey baby, she's mine too, you know?"
Nora giggled as Liam stuck his tongue out at Zayan, then at the twins before hugging Nora tighter.
"Oh reallyyyy!" Zayan muttered as they boarded the private jet.
This was the twins' first holiday trip, and Zayan had upgraded to a larger plane—enough space for everyone, comfortably. Nora called his name as he trailed behind Asher, who was carrying Hael. Laughter filled the air.
Everyone began settling in. Liam nestled against Nora's chest, sucking his thumb. Max curled beside Kian. Eryx and Kenna chatted quietly in their seats. Meira and Desmon sat with their daughter Nixie. Miska and Frya managed Crya. Sora and Issca weren't there—work had kept them away. Creise and Donomie were present with their son Deo, as were Levi, Rose, and Azara. The cabin was filled with warmth and unity.
As the plane began to lift, Lysander stared out the window, confused and trembling slightly.
"Why… is it going up?" he whispered, gripping Seraphina's hand.
"Because it's a plane, Larry," she said gently, using his nickname.
"Hey, it's fine—look at the clouds," Nora reassured, brushing a hand through his hair.
Shaw, nearby, remembered her first flight to Poland and chuckled. Liam noticed his brother's fear and wriggled out of Nora's arms, crawling onto Lysander's lap.
"Larry! Cloudyyyyy!" Liam pointed, wide-eyed.
Lysander slowly opened his eyes. The clouds really were beautiful. With Liam on his lap and Seraphina holding his hand, he finally smiled.
Zayan leaned close to Nora.
"He's just like you, darling."
Nora placed her head on his chest.
"Yeah… he is."
Seven hours later, they landed in Bari, Italy.
They exited the plane as a group. Liam had fallen asleep on Lysander's back.
"Please hold him," Lysander said, handing Liam over to Neal and grabbing Seraphina's hand.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm dizzy," he mumbled.
"Again?" she asked, patting his cheek.
He nodded weakly. Max whimpered, licking his hand.
"I'm fine," Lysander insisted, but Seraphina wasn't convinced.
Unable to hold it in, she ran to Nora and Zayan.
"Mama… Lysander is very, very sick. He's been soft and weak for a long time. He didn't want to tell Dad because he didn't want him to worry. When we were in school, he passed out once. His shirt had blood on it. They tried to call you, but he stopped them and said he was fine. But he's not. Every night he rolls in pain. Dad, I couldn't keep it anymore…"
Zayan froze.
"Why didn't you come to me secretly?" he asked, his voice tight.
"Because… you were hurt, and he didn't want to add to your pain. He made me and Twin promise."
Nora turned toward Lysander, now barely standing. Her heart clenched. Without a word, she rushed to him, scooping him into her arms.
"Arion! Let's go. To the hospital. Now!"
"What's going on?" Arion asked, alarmed, with Xandria beside him.
Nora's fury boiled. She pushed past the Camorra gang waiting for them at the entrance. Eight members stood—four men, four women.
"What's wrong?" Kiernan asked, holding his daughter Winter.
"He's sick and didn't tell anyone," Nora snapped.
"Welcome to Bari, Kai and Lilith," Amber tried to interject.
"Where's the nearest hospital? Get me there. NOW."
She entered the car with Zayan, Liam, Seraphina, Asher, and Aaila. The others headed to the villa.
At the hospital, Nora stormed out of the car.
"Emergency! I need a doctor now!" she yelled.
The nurse paled at the sight of the Camorra crew behind her.
"Y-Yes ma'am, this way!"
Lysander was rushed into the ER. Max and Seraphina sat quietly, fear thick in the air.
"He wouldn't dare leave me," Seraphina whispered.
Zayan knelt beside her.
"Your brother is very strong. He'll be okay."
After 40 tense minutes, the doctor returned.
"He has leukemia—a type of blood cancer common in growing children."
"Y-You mean… my son has blood cancer?" Nora asked, her voice trembling.
Zayan steadied her.
"Yes. But we caught it early. We'll need to start bone marrow transplants this week. He's O negative and needs blood as well. If not treated fast, it could be fatal."
Nora didn't flinch. She pulled out her phone, changed the currency to Euro, and marched to the receptionist.
"I've just transferred €3 million. Start the treatment. Now. If anything goes wrong, I will shut this hospital down myself."
The entire room froze.
"Y-Yes ma'am. We'll begin immediately."
Inside the hospital room, Lysander was awake. Seraphina burst in, tears brimming.
"I thought you were the strongest!" she cried.
"You're insane. I told Mom and Dad. They said you have blood cancer. You want to leave me?"
Lysander opened his arms. She climbed into the bed, took off her shoes, and curled into his chest.
"We're inseparable. We are one. We are forever twins. I'm staying with you—forever. Okay?"
"Okay," he whispered, hugging her tightly.
Outside the room, Zayan and Nora listened silently. Nora leaned into Zayan, tears running down her face.
"It's okay, love. He's strong. He'll get better—I promise."
Later, Liam waddled in on Max's back.
"Larry… okie?" he asked.
Lysander smiled, pulling Liam into his chest.
"Come here, baby bro." He patted Liam to sleep the same way he did Seraphina.
Nora snapped a quiet photo. She kissed Lysander's forehead, and Zayan did too. The three siblings slept peacefully, while Nora and Zayan curled up together on the couch in the room.
Together. As a family.