---
Nora and Isabelle left Lady Seraphine in the café, stepping into the bustling city streets, the warm afternoon sunlight casting playful patterns through the trees.
"Let's see if we can find something fun," Nora said, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Isabelle laughed softly, adjusting her scarf. "It's been forever since I went shopping like this. I almost forgot how exciting it is to just wander around, looking at things."
They moved from boutique to boutique, picking out clothes, accessories, and little trinkets. Bags piled high in their arms, yet neither seemed to care. Between trying on items and browsing, the two girls shared stories from the past: the time they had gotten lost in the city park, the small pranks they had played on each other, and the little childhood adventures they still remembered vividly.
"Do you remember the swings at the old playground near our house?" Nora asked, smiling. "You used to try to swing so high, I thought you'd fly into the clouds."
Isabelle laughed, a warm, carefree sound. "I remember! And you kept pushing me higher until I screamed so loud people stared. I missed this… I really did."
By late afternoon, they had amassed more than they could carry and decided it was time to return. Hector Valen, Isabelle's assigned bodyguard, drove them safely back to the Ashbourne estate. He was silent, watchful, and professional, his presence a quiet reassurance rather than a looming shadow. Once inside, Hector oversaw the setup of a guest room for Isabelle, making sure everything was perfect before leaving them some freedom.
"Want to do something fun tonight?" Nora asked, eyes sparkling.
Isabelle hesitated, then a small smile formed. "I… I think I could use it. But only a little."
---
Later that evening, Hector escorted them to a popular nightclub. He waited outside, ever vigilant, while they entered the pulsing world of music, lights, and laughter.
Inside, the rhythm was intoxicating. Nora and Isabelle were swept up in the energy, dancing, laughing, and exchanging whispered stories about their childhood.
"I haven't danced like this in ages!" Isabelle admitted, spinning on the dance floor.
Nora giggled. "I know! It's like we're kids again. Remember the time we tried to make our own little disco in my backyard?"
Isabelle laughed, nodding. "Mom was not amused. But we had so much fun."
Their laughter was suddenly interrupted when five men approached, making unwelcome advances. The girls' protests were ignored, tension rising with every step the men took.
Before it escalated further, a striking young man with white hair and a well-built body stepped forward. His movements were fluid and precise, each step measured. The five men barely had time to react before he launched into action.
"You've had enough," he said quietly, calm but commanding.
In the next moments, the nightclub erupted into controlled chaos.
The first man lunged at him, swinging wildly. With a swift sidestep and a sharp elbow, Orion knocked him unconscious onto the floor.
The second man charged from behind. Orion spun, delivering a precise kick to the chest that sent him crashing into a table.
Another attempted a grab; Orion caught his wrist, twisted, and threw him over the bar with effortless force.
The fourth man tried to grab Isabelle, but Orion intercepted, knocking him down with a single strike that echoed through the club.
The last one hesitated, sneering. "You want to play hero?" he taunted. Orion's eyes narrowed, and a controlled combination of punches and a sweeping leg kick sent the final man sprawling to the floor.
Within moments, all five men lay unconscious, murmuring groans, while the crowd watched in awe, whispers of admiration and shock filling the air.
Nora's eyes widened. "Wow… thank you so much!"
Isabelle smiled warmly. "We should get you a drink."
The young man's lips curved slightly. "I'm Orion Sterling," he said, extending a hand. "And you two are lucky to be unharmed."
Nora shook his hand. "I'm Nora, and this is Isabelle. Thank you for… saving us."
Orion's eyes flicked toward them, scanning briefly, protective yet calm. "And what brings two ladies here without anyone else?"
"Just for fun," Nora replied. "We wanted to let loose."
He nodded. "Then I suppose I'll join you."
They moved into the VIP section, drinks in hand, and the conversation flowed easily.
"So… it's been ages," Nora said, leaning closer. "Have you been out like this before, Isabelle?"
Isabelle shook her head. "Not really. I've missed this. I missed just… being free. Not worrying about anything for a while."
Nora laughed. "I know the feeling. Remember the time we tried to sneak into the arcade after closing? Dad nearly caught us!"
Isabelle giggled. "I thought he was going to disown us on the spot. But you talked us out of it. I missed your stubbornness."
Hours passed, and as the clock neared 11 PM, Orion escorted them back to Hector's waiting car. He remained polite but vigilant, ensuring they were safe for the return journey.
Back at the estate, the girls wandered into the kitchen, unpacking snacks and sharing quiet conversation.
"I missed home," Isabelle said softly. "The playground, the little paths behind our house… everything. It's strange being back, but nice at the same time."
Nora nudged her. "So… any boyfriends lately?"
Isabelle shook her head. "No, only ever two really. What about you?"
"Well…" Nora hesitated, then admitted, "I just broke up with someone. But my brother doesn't know, and I want to keep it that way for now."
Isabelle laughed gently. "Keeping secrets from older brothers… I understand completely."
Later, Lady Seraphine brought dinner to the table. The three shared the meal, talking about everything from childhood memories to favorite foods, laughing as the night wore on.
After the meal, they retired to their rooms, leaving Hector to quietly report to Isabelle's father that she had arrived safely at the Ashbourne estate and that he had sworn to protect her no matter what.
Lady Seraphine reminded the girls that Draven Ashbourne would be away for two days on business in Atento, leaving them the freedom to enjoy the evening without worry.
Moonlight spilled through the windows of the estate, silver across the garden. Laughter and soft chatter echoed inside—a perfect reflection of a rare night of friendship, nostalgia, and freedom—their moonlit laughter.