...next morning...
The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Antonio and Selene's mansion, casting a golden warmth across the marble floors and soft drapes. Mira stirred beneath the cozy guest blanket, her eyes blinking against the light as she adjusted to the stillness after last night's rooftop whirl.
Downstairs, the smell of roasted coffee beans and warm butter croissants lured her toward the kitchen. She padded in quietly and found Selene at the counter, hair tied up messily, humming as she set cups on a tray.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Selene teased with a grin, not even turning around.
"You're unreal," Mira said, yawning. "Do you sleep?"
"Barely. I was too excited," Selene whispered. "Did you see Amara's face last night? Riven totally melted her."
"I did," Mira nodded fondly. "And you two hiding like teens behind that plant... very subtle."
They both laughed softly as the door clicked open, revealing Amara with tangled hair and a blanket wrapped like a shawl around her shoulders. She looked exhausted but glowing.
"I feel like my life just changed," she said, walking straight into Selene's arms.
"You deserved it," Selene whispered. "And more."
Just then, Antonio and Riven walked in from the backyard, looking entirely too fresh for the early hour. Antonio winked as he grabbed a mug of coffee and wrapped an arm around Selene's waist.
"Good morning, my wifey in training."
Selene rolled her eyes with a blush as Mira and Amara burst into giggles.
"You'll never let that go, will you?" Selene asked, voice mock-scolding.
"Nope," Antonio said, sipping his coffee. "Just practicing."
Before the teasing could continue, the doorbell rang. Mira went to answer it, only to find Ronan standing there with two bags of breakfast pastries and his signature lazy smile.
"Brought food. I know you lot probably forgot to eat."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "We've been up for an hour, thank you very much."
Ronan leaned forward and whispered, "But you missed me?"
Mira shoved him playfully as he stepped inside. "A little."
Soon the living room buzzed with laughter, plates clinking, and conversations crossing between past and future—Selene and Antonio sitting side by side, hands entwined; Amara's head leaning on Riven's shoulder, and Mira stealing bites of Ronan's pastry while he scolded her, only half seriously.
At one point, Devina and Mr. Reyes entered with a tray of fresh fruit. Their smiles widened at the sight of their children so content, so woven together in love and peace.
"These moments are what we live for," Mr. Reyes said as he sat down.
Devina nodded. "You've all grown beautifully."
Later, as the sun climbed higher, Mira and Ronan found themselves alone on the balcony. The air was cooler now, the breeze tugging gently at her loose curls.
"You fit here," Ronan said suddenly, surprising her.
"In Paris?" she asked.
He shook his head. "In my life."
Mira turned to him, her heart fluttering. "You're getting dangerously close to sweet."
"I'll balance it out later with bad jokes," he promised.
She leaned on his shoulder. "Looking forward to it."