As we step into the kitchen, we’re immediately greeted by the warm, sugary scent of fresh pancakes. Daisy and a sparkly Maya are busy cooking, their laughter filling the air. Marco, Arya, and Claude are perched on the benches, their faces alight with easy smiles as they share stories, completely immersed in the moment. When they notice us enter, their conversations falter, eyes widening in surprise. A collective silence falls over them as their jaws drop. “Good morning, Queen Lenora, King Asher,” Marco says, confusion evident in his voice. “What happened yesterday? Did you both get new tattoos?” As the others greet us, Arya’s sharp gaze narrows on my neck. “W-w-what are those marks?” she stammers as the group moves closer to inspect the new soulmate markings that shimmer faintly on our

