The news arrived like a spark that set the entire industry ablaze.
EON had been officially invited to perform a month-long concert at the Celestia Dome—the most prestigious venue in the country, an architectural marvel reserved only for legends. Every artist who stepped onto that stage was immortalized as royalty in the music world. And now, it was their turn.
The moment the announcement was released, chaos and celebration erupted inside EON's penthouse.
Cassian nearly spilled his coffee. "You're kidding—the Celestia Dome?"
Theo actually stood up from his keyboard, which was rare. "Do you have any idea how many artists wait their entire lives for that stage?"
Jace spun in his chair, nearly tripping over excitement. "We're officially superstars now, boys!"
Even Luca, the calmest among them, broke into a rare grin. "We've earned it."
Noah leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, the faintest gleam of pride in his eyes. "Then let's make it perfect."
The Terania family heard about it within the hour. The Dome was located in their home city, and Gideon Terania had been one of its founding investors. Elara wasted no time calling.
"You're not staying in a hotel," she insisted over the phone. "Absolutely not. The estate has more than enough space for all of you. You'll be comfortable here."
Noah tried to politely refuse, but Elara was unstoppable. By the next day, a sleek convoy of cars was arranged to escort EON to the Terania Estate. Even the drive through the iron gates felt like entering another world.
"Is this a house or a palace?" Jace whispered as they stepped into the grand entryway, his voice echoing against marble floors.
Theo gave him a side-eye. "Don't touch anything."
Jace pointed to a nearby vase. "That thing probably costs more than our entire penthouse."
Cassian just laughed, entirely at ease. "Relax. Auntie Elara and Uncle Gideon aren't the type to bite."
Noah gave him a knowing look. Everyone in the industry knew Cassian was a Terania by blood. It wasn't a secret—just a quiet fact rarely discussed aloud. Cassian had built his career on merit, not legacy, but his ease here made perfect sense.
When Gideon and Elara descended the staircase to greet them, Cassian rushed forward immediately. "Auntie! Uncle!"
Elara laughed in delight. "Cassian, look at you! Your parents will be jealous that we get to host you first."
Gideon clapped his shoulder. "We've been following your group's success. You're all making us proud."
Cassian grinned and gestured to the others. "These are my brothers-in-chaos."
Elara turned to EON with genuine warmth. "Welcome, all of you. It's such a pleasure to have you here."
Luca inclined his head politely. "The honor's ours, ma'am."
Theo added with a courteous nod, "Thank you for having us."
Jace whispered to Cassian, "She called me dear. Think she might adopt me?"
Cassian elbowed him.
Then Elara's eyes softened as they landed on Noah. "And Noah, dear," she said, stepping forward, her tone full of affection that felt almost maternal. "We still hardly see you nowadays! But I can see why, EON is really doing very well."
Noah bowed his head slightly, his voice warm but composed. "Thank you for welcoming us."
"Oh, none of that formality," Elara said, smiling as she reached out to straighten his collar like she used to when he was younger. "You're family. Always will be."
Elara turned to the rest of them with a smile. "Stay as long as you'd like. There's more than enough room for everyone."
That was an understatement.
Each member was given a private suite, complete with king-sized beds, balconies, and bathrooms big enough to host a press event. The estate included gardens visible from every window, a private gym, an indoor pool, and even a miniature theater where their concerts could be screened in cinematic quality.
Theo wandered into the music room first and froze. "There's a Stradivarius violin in here," he whispered reverently.
Jace immediately threw himself onto one of the sofas. "If I die right now, bury me here."
Luca rolled his eyes. "You'd stain the couch."
Dinner that night was lively. Gideon, clearly in high spirits, raised his glass. "You'll make history, boys. Do you know how few artists fill the Dome for even one night, let alone thirty?"
Cassian smiled. "We'll give it everything we've got, Uncle."
Elara beamed. "You already have our hearts. Now you just need to win the rest of the country's."
Her warmth filled the room, but Noah found his attention wandering. The Terania Estate had always felt like a world of its own—bright, elegant and untouched by the chaos of fame. And yet, even amid the laughter, part of him kept glancing toward the hallways, half expecting to see Mirabelle appear.
She didn't, of course. She was likely out performing again, lost in her music. Still, he wondered if she knew he was there.
When dinner ended, Elara stood with a gracious smile. "You must all rest. We've prepared suites in the east wing—it's quieter there, perfect for recovery. Follow the staff, they'll show you the way."
Noah nodded politely. "Thank you."
As the group followed the butler down the corridor, the staff began pointing out each door.
"Mr. Terania, this way please. Mr. Rhee, next to him. Mr. Yuen, at the end of the hall. Mr. Rho, yours overlooks the gardens."
Finally, the butler gestured toward another door further down. "And your room, Mr. Rolston, is right over there."
He said it casually, already turning away.
But Noah froze. That hallway led to the east wing—the same wing where Mirabelle's room was. The butler likely meant the room across from hers, assuming Noah still remembered the layout. But the first thought that crossed Noah's mind, unbidden and immediate, was that he was being led to her room.
His pulse kicked once. Surely Gideon and Elara wouldn't… would they? The thought spiraled before he could stop it. Maybe this was their quiet approval—a subtle way of saying it was all right. After all, he was family now—their soon-to-be son-in-law.
A mix of disbelief and something far warmer spread through him. Her room. He pictured it—the soft lamplight and the faint perfume.. He rubbed the back of his neck, forcing his thoughts to settle. It was fine. Perfectly fine. They were engaged, weren't they?
If this was the arrangement… he supposed he could handle sleeping beside her for a month.
When he entered the room, the air smelled faintly familiar. The lighting was soft and gentle. He ran a hand along the carved headboard, noticing the delicate floral design. It looked… feminine.
His heart gave a quiet, traitorous thump.
He sat on the bed and loosened his tie, trying to reason with himself. He was tired. He was probably overthinking this. When he finally lay down, the sheets faintly scented of roses, his thoughts drifted to her—to her smile, her voice, and the gentle warmth they carried.
Just as he began to drift toward sleep, there was a knock at the door.
"Noah?" Cassian's voice came from the hall.
He sat up instantly. "Yeah?"
Cassian poked his head in, looking apologetic. "Sorry, man. Management just called. They need us back at the Dome for quick rehearsals—sound checks, logistics, the usual. Apparently, it's urgent."
Noah blinked, disoriented. "Now?"
Cassian shrugged. "Now. I told them we were half-dead, but they said it can't wait."
Noah sighed, rubbing his neck. "Alright. Give me five minutes."
When Cassian left, Noah buttoned his jacket again. He glanced once more at the bed and felt an odd pang he couldn't quite name.
He left quietly, unaware that twenty minutes later, Mirabelle herself would return from her evening performance, humming softly as she walked the corridor. She paused in surprise when she saw her door slightly ajar—the room still faintly warm, as though someone had just been there.