Silent Scars

CHAPTER 82

The hallway was quiet except for the soft sounds of bare feet padding across the wooden floor. Luca walked alongside Ariana, who still looked half-asleep, her hair a halo of gentle chaos, her steps slow like she was drifting through a dream.

Kendric yawned behind them.

"I feel like I was reborn. But also like I got hit by a truck."

"You always feel like that."

Luca muttered without turning.

Kendric gave a dramatic sigh and veered off to his room.

"I’ll meet you both downstairs. I’m brushing my teeth like a civilized human."

Luca turned to Ariana and gave a gentle nudge.

"Come on, sleepyhead. Let’s go become human again."

Ariana nodded, rubbing her eye

She paused at her door and blinked at it like she’d forgotten how to open it. Her fingers brushed the handle, slow and unsure.

Luca noticed.

"Hey."

His voice was soft.

"Need backup?"

Ariana glanced at him and gave the tiniest shrug.

He smiled and pushed the door open.

Inside, her room still held the gentle morning hush, the light spilling through the curtains in soft patches. She shuffled in, hair flopping gently over her cheek.

Luca followed and ruffled her already messy hair with a fond hand.

"Sleepyhead."

He said, voice teasing but warm.

Ariana blinked at him, half dazed.

He walked into the bathroom, grabbed her toothbrush, squeezed some paste onto it, then returned and held it out like it was a treasured relic.

She stared at it. Then at him.

And smiled.

A soft, real smile that reached her sleepy eyes.

"I’ve never slept like that before."

She whispered.

And with that, she began brushing her teeth, like it was just… normal.

Luca leaned against the doorway, watching her for a moment.

"Get used to it."

She glanced at him through the mirror and nodded.

------------------------------------------

The kitchen buzzed with morning sounds, the clink of dishes, the hiss of the coffee machine, the smell of toast and warm butter still in the air.

By the time Ariana and Luca made it downstairs, Kendric was already sliding into his chair. Domain was at the fridge, grabbing the juice.

"Finally."

Domain muttered, setting the juice down.

"I thought you two fell asleep brushing."

Ariana sat next to Luca, Kendric flopping into the chair beside her a moment later.

"Good morning, sunshine."

Kendric grinned at her.

"I feel like a new man."

"Please don’t elaborate."

Marcus muttered.

Breakfast started the way it always did, familiar teasing, shared plates, and warmth that felt like family.