The next morning, the ship was already buzzing with life. Passengers drifted down the long, elegant corridors, chatter and laughter echoing as families and couples prepared for the day’s activities.
The twins were the first ones ready, bounding out of their room with shirts tucked in and hair combed back neatly, practically dragging their parents along. “Come on, come on!” Kyan urged, her little shoes squeaking against the polished floor. “We’re gonna miss everything if we don’t hurry.”
Ryan followed with equal excitement, nearly tripping over his own untied laces. Alexia stopped him with a quick motherly tug. “Laces,” she warned softly, crouching down to knot them with practiced ease.
Alexia herself looked effortlessly composed—her blonde hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, a soft blous
