The laughter had finally died down, replaced with soft thuds of socked feet padding across the polished floors. Theor, ever the gentle host, ushered the last of the excited children down the hallway. "This way, little explorers. Time to settle in."
Leonard lingered by the foot of the grand staircase, one hand resting on the railing as he watched the parade of small figures disappear into the guest wing. He could still hear Maya asking Theor if she could bring her stuffed lion to bed. Nathan mumbled something about bedtime stories. Julio had already made himself at home, pointing out corners and crevices he remembered from past visits.
Each family had been given a separate guest room, but the children insisted on sleeping together. Theor had smiled when they declared their intentions and led them to what had once been Julio's nursery.
