Adams stood on the open terrace long after Lovigary and Logan had left, the last light of day fading across the valley. The air still carried the faint echo of their visit, the easy talk of parents living free on distant shores, the quiet reassurance that family still held. Inside the pavilion the women waited, voices soft, the ordinary rhythm of evening settling in. He turned from the view and walked back through the doors.
Mabel looked up first. Inara, Akira, Nyx, Lilith, Aveline, and Naomi were scattered across the cushions and low seats, the remains of tea and fruit still on the table. They made room without needing to be asked. Adams sat, accepted a fresh cup, and let the quiet stretch for a while.
"They looked well," Mabel said.
"They are. Logan asked after Arianna. She'll feel it soon enough."
Akira smiled. "Twins always do."
