The golden glow of the afternoon had begun to fade, replaced by the warm shimmer of gas lamps that lined the cobblestone streets of The Peninsula. Steam hissed softly from vents beneath the ground, and the rhythmic clank of machinery mixed with the hum of conversation. Brass signs spun lazily in the sea breeze, advertising alchemical trinkets, steam-powered toys, and mechanical birds that sang lullabies in perfect tune.
Alexia held a small bag filled with souvenirs — hand-forged coins and a glass orb that glowed faintly with captured starlight — while Nate guided the twins down the busy street. Ryan had a sweet bun in one hand, crumbs stuck to his cheek, while Kyan’s eyes darted from booth to booth, soaking in every invention with delight.
They were happy — for the first time in a long t
