Golden Melody

Chapter 174

Chapter 174

The last day of semester break stretched lazily under the golden sun.

At the edge of the shore, the waves rolled in gentle rhythms—soft, steady, as if trying to convince everyone to stay just a little longer.

Behind them, the maids were already busy preparing their things for the return to the capital.

Luggage, towels, neatly folded clothes—everything was being handled.

But the children?
They had no intention of leaving just yet.

Zatariel stood barefoot on the warm sand, carrying little Zadriana in his arms. The child's laughter rang brightly, her tiny hands gripping his shoulder as she leaned toward Miexha.

Miexha, however, looked completely serious.

"I'm serious," she said with full conviction,
"Bunnies do dance on the moon. You just can't see them unless you dream about them."

Zadriana burst into giggles.

Zatariel raised a brow, clearly unconvinced.
"...That's your best dream last night?"

Miexha crossed her arms, offended.
"It's not just a dream."

Zatariel huffed a quiet laugh despite himself, while Zadriana clapped happily, fully siding with Miexha's version of reality.

Not far from them—
Asha stood behind Jayson with a mischievous grin.

"Don't even think about it," Jayson warned, glancing back at her.
"I'm not getting in."

Asha didn't respond.

She simply shoved him.

Jayson stumbled forward, straight into the incoming waves.

Water splashed violently as he lost his footing.

"ASHA—!"

His voice was cut off as another wave hit him, soaking him completely.

Asha doubled over laughing.

Marie walked up beside her, already giggling at the sight.

"Top of his army class," Asha teased, pointing.
"And look at him now."

Jayson struggled to stand, slipping slightly.

"I was pushed!" he snapped.
"And this part is full of seaweed and rocks!"

Another wave crashed into him.

He fell again.

Asha and Marie burst into louder laughter, completely unbothered by his suffering.

"I am not superhuman!" Jayson shouted, thoroughly defeated.

Nearby, Seleina clung gently to Sphere's arm, watching the scene with quiet amusement.

Sphere, however, had his attention elsewhere.

His gaze remained fixed on Hannah, who swam a short distance from the shore—close enough to be safe, but far enough to enjoy her freedom.

Seleina followed his line of sight and smiled faintly.

"She's getting better," she said softly.

Sphere nodded once, calm but attentive, never fully letting his guard down.

A little farther back—
Ashel stood in silence, watching all of them.

The laughter and warmth of something almost ordinary.