The island had become more than a home it was our universe, self-contained and thriving in its isolation.
Thirteen years had passed since that midnight on the cove when I chose to stay. Thirteen years of watching our family grow like the lush jungle surrounding the villa. Elias was now thirteen, tall and confident, already showing signs of his father’s commanding presence as he led his siblings on explorations along the hidden trails. Seraphina, eleven, was fierce and unyielding, challenging every boundary with a fire that made me both proud and terrified. Aurora, nine, was the gentle soul of the group, always mediating with quiet wisdom. Theo, six, was pure energy and laughter, while Nova, four, followed everyone with wide-eyed wonder.
I was pregnant with our seventh child, my body hea
