The conversation wound down, the night air growing cooler.
The triplets stood close, their shoulders brushing, a silent reminder of their unbreakable bond.
Matteo and Lucia led them back to the spiral staircase, the glass steps glowing faintly under their feet.
The East Wing hummed with life, its obsidian walls inlaid with gold, its chandeliers casting rainbows across the halls.
They passed the conservatory, where glowing vines curled around glass columns, and the library, its leather-bound books stacked beside holographic tablets.
The triplets' black suits rustled softly, their gold jewellery catching every light, their Obsidian beads a constant pulse of power.
Back in the dining room, the remnants of dinner, gold-rimmed plates, crystal glasses, had been cleared by the staff, their Bronze beads barely visible in the dim light.
Elena still stood by the door, her Silver bead steady, her navy blazer crisp despite the late hour.
She'd been silent during the terrace talk, her presence a quiet strength, but now she stepped forward, her tablet glowing with notifications.
"Everything's set for tomorrow, ladies," Elena said, her voice calm but warm. "Marco will drive you to Academia di Stelle at seven. Your schedules are on your tablets, and Giovanni's prepped your residence—Orion House."
Valentina nodded, her dark eyes meeting Elena's. "Thanks, Elena. You heading home soon?"
Elena smiled, a rare softness in her professional demeanour. "Soon. Carla and Sofia are waiting. I'll be back in the morning."
Vittoria tilted her head, her gold earrings glinting. "Tell Sofia we'll have her over soon. She loves the theatre."
Viviana added, her voice quiet, "And Carla. They're family too."
Elena's smile widened, her Silver bead glowing brighter. "They'd love that. Good night, ladies. Sir Matteo, Madam Lucia."
She bowed slightly, a gesture of respect, and slipped out of the dining room, her footsteps soft on the obsidian floor.
The triplets watched her go, a pang of affection in their chests. Elena was more than a secretary—she was their confidante, her loyalty as solid as the mansion's walls.
Matteo clapped his hands, breaking the moment. "Right, girls. Time to settle in. You've got a big day tomorrow."
Lucia's eyes twinkled as she hugged each triplet, her gold dress warm against their suits. "Sleep well, my loves. Show that school who you are."
The triplets grinned, their beads pulsing in unison. They hugged their grandparents, the embrace lingering, then headed upstairs, the East Wing's glow wrapping around them like a promise.