Early Morning – Star Harbor International Airport
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the glass roof of the airport as passengers spilled out of the arrival gate. Among them walked four young figures, their laughter mixing with the rush of rolling suitcases and announcements over the intercom.
They were in their late teens, just shy of twenty, faces fresh with excitement at the promise of a trip away from campus life.
At the front was Chase Carter—Monica's younger brother, the sole heir of the Carter family from Crimson Island. His stride was confident, but his grin boyish, his excitement hard to hide. A few years ago, when the Carter family faced ruin, it was Miles who saved him and Monica. And only recently, Chase learned that Miles wasn't just his savior—he was family. His real cousin. The long-lost aunt's son. The revelation had left Chase overjoyed, and ever since, he spoke of "Brother Miles" with reverence and pride.
