Silent Scars

EPILOGUE

The sunlight had mellowed into a soft amber hue, slipping through the white curtains and casting gentle patterns across the floor.

Ariana stepped out of the room, her hair brushing her shoulders, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Her doctor followed behind, a kind-faced woman in a cream blouse, holding her notebook against her chest.

Outside, waiting near the steps, was Domain.

He straightened the moment he saw her no words, no hesitation, just opened his arms.

Ariana ran straight into them.

Domain caught her effortlessly, lifting her off the ground as she clung to him. Her laughter broke through the quiet afternoon, soft and full, and he breathed out a small chuckle against her hair.

The doctor smiled faintly, then turned to Leonardo, who stood a few feet away, hands tucked in his pockets.

"She’s improving faster than expected. "

She said warmly.

"The sessions are helping her open up. She’s… finally healing."

Leonardo’s shoulders eased. He gave a quiet nod, gratitude flickering in his eyes.

"Thank you, doctor."

He walked her out, then turned back toward the group just as Marcus ruffled Ariana’s hair, making her pout.

"Hey!"

She protested, crossing her arms, but her smile betrayed her.

Domain smirked, nudging Marcus.

"You’re just jealous she doesn’t hug you like that."

Marcus rolled his eyes.

"Please. I’m the one who taught her how to win every argument with silence."

Ariana giggled between them, the sound of her laughter filling the hallway.

Leonardo’s voice cut through their playful bickering smooth, teasing, with that older-brother warmth that made them all fall silent.

"So… is my baby ready for our very important ice-cream date"

Ariana’s eyes lit up instantly. She jumped up and down, clapping her hands.

"Yes!!"

Marcus and Domain both groaned.

"Oh, come on!"

Domain said dramatically.

"He just says date and suddenly we don’t exist anymore?"

"True."

Marcus crossed his arms with mock offense.

"We trained her, fed her, protected her, one word from him and she’s gone."

Ariana turned to them with a mischievous grin.

"I still love you both… just a little less right now."

Domain gasped.

"Betrayal!"

Leonardo chuckled, offering his hand to her.

"Come on, baby. We’ve got to pick up Kendric and Luca too."

She slipped her hand into his without hesitation.

Together, they stepped outside, the afternoon sun spilling gold across the gravel, laughter following them down the steps.

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