It had been three days since the envelope arrived. Three days of tightening security, of walking on eggshells in their own home. The estate, once filled with the bubbling laughter of the twins, now felt like a mansion built on glass, fragile, echoing, and full of shadows.
But despite the tension, Talia refused to live in fear.
Not again.
She adjusted her silk robe as she stepped into the hallway, barefoot and quiet. Ethan was in the twins' room, reading Luna her favorite bedtime story for the fourth time that week. Zane had already dozed off, hugging his stuffed tiger, and Talia watched silently as Ethan ran his fingers through Luna's curls.
The twins were growing fast. Too fast.
"I want the stars, Daddy," Luna whispered sleepily.
"You already have them," Ethan replied, kissing her forehead gently. "I hung them right above your bed."
Talia's heart squeezed.
Moments like this reminded her why she fought so hard to keep their world intact.
