When they finally arrived back at the Draven estate, the night had already deepened. The moon hung high above the courtyard, its pale glow spilling across the grand stone walls and silver-tinted windows. The air was still, carrying the faint scent of rain and the soft rustle of leaves from the garden trees.
The moment the car stopped, Mireya was already half-asleep on her seat, her tiny hand still clutching an empty french fry box. Maxen yawned wide, his head resting on his sister's shoulder. Lea turned, smiling softly at the sight.
"They're completely out," she whispered.
Hugo chuckled quietly, his voice a low rumble. "They lasted longer than I thought."
He got out of the car first and gently lifted Mireya into his arms while Lea carried Maxen. The twins murmured faintly, too tired to speak. Together, Hugo and Lea climbed the grand staircase and walked down the long corridor toward the children's room.
