The daycare had finally begun to wind down. The last of the Littles had been changed, fed, and sent off, either picked up by their Amazon guardians or tucked into their assigned cribs for the evening. The gentle hum of the nanny bot filled the quiet room, its synthetic voice softly cooing to one of the remaining Littles as it rocked them to sleep.

Ash wiped down the last changing table; her movements were mechanical, and her thoughts were elsewhere.

Kaylee sat in a baby bouncer near the corner of the room, her legs splayed out in a lazy kick, her arms resting limply at her sides. Her pacifier bobbed rhythmically between her lips, a steady suckling motion that had become second nature. The soft creak of the bouncer filled the space, its gentle movement lulling Kaylee into a near-trance-like state.

Ash kept glancing over.

Studying.

Watching.

How much of this was real?

How much was an act?

Kaylee had always been sharp. Before all this, she knew how to manipulate and get what she wanted. If anyone could pretend to be the perfect, mindless Little, it was her.

But that didn’t explain everything.

The way she melted into Ash’s touch so easily now. The way she cooed, babbled, responded with wide, empty eyes when spoken to. She used her diapers without hesitation or any sign of awareness or resistance.

That wasn’t the Kaylee she knew.

That was programming.

Ash’s grip tightened on the cloth she used, her knuckles going white.

Kaylee had recognized the message earlier, and Ash was sure of it. The spark in her eyes had been real, however brief. But sitting there now, nestled in that bouncer, she looked completely gone.

A slow, gnawing dread settled in Ash’s chest.

What if Kaylee wasn’t pretending anymore?

What if the hypnosis had been rooted too deep?

What if—

Kaylee let out a soft sigh around her pacifier, her eyes fluttering as the bouncer continued its gentle rhythm. She looked content. Happy, even.

Ash swallowed.

She had to fix this.

She would fix this.

The door chimed softly as one of the last Amazons stepped inside, effortlessly cradling their Little girl. The Little was gone—not just tired, not just obedient, but completely submerged in whatever conditioning the episode had forced into her. Her wide, vacant eyes sparkled with artificial delight, and her lips wrapped around her thumb as she suckled with quiet contentment.

She let out a breathy giggle as her Amazon bounced her playfully, tickling her tummy and making exaggerated cooing noises.

"Oh, Ash," the Amazon gushed, their eyes brimming with satisfaction. "I can’t thank you enough. She’s been a handful since we brought her home, but after today’s session? Just look at her!"

They gave their Little another tickle, prompting another burst of mindless, hiccuping giggles.

"She’s never been so well-behaved. Never been so happy."

Ash’s stomach twisted into a hard knot.

She smiled.

Her lips curled, her expression a perfect mask of warmth and professionalism.

"I’m so glad to hear that," she said smoothly, her voice as steady as ever. "We do our best to ensure every Little gets the care they need."

A lie.

A half-truth wrapped in something palatable, something she had told herself repeatedly to keep moving forward.

The Amazon beamed, giving their Little another affectionate squeeze. "Well, whatever you’re doing, it’s working! I was worried she’d be resistant forever, but now? She’s just the sweetest little thing. I can tell she’s settling in properly."

Ash’s nails dug into her palms.

The Little had settled in properly.

Just like Kaylee was settling in.

Just like they all settled in, day after day, bit by bit until there was nothing left but mindless obedience and the hollow joy of Naomi and Oliver’s promise.

"Well, we’ll see you next time!" The Amazon chirped, adjusting the Little on their hip as they approached the door.

Ash nodded, forcing herself to say it. "See you next time."

The door closed behind them with a soft chime, and the echoes of the Little’s playful giggles lingered, haunting her ears long after they were gone.

Her smile fell.

The knot in her stomach tightened into something unbearable.

Ash turned as the last of her Tweener assistants wiped their brows, sighing in exhaustion but smiling nonetheless. The young woman stretched her arms behind her back, rolling her shoulders as she exhaled.

"Whew. That was a long one," she said with a tired chuckle, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "Hard work, but rewarding, right?"

Ash forced herself to nod. "Yeah. Definitely rewarding."

The words felt like ash in her mouth.

The Tweener stretched again before glancing back at Ash. "Anything else you need before I head out?"

Ash shook her head. "No, you’re good. Your paycheck’s already been deposited. Get some rest."

The Tweener’s eyes lit up at the mention of her pay, her smile widening. "Oh, thanks, Ash! I appreciate it. See you tomorrow!"

Ash nodded, watching as she gathered and exited through the front door. The automatic lock clicked into place behind her, and then—

Silence.

Once full of noise, movement, and life, the daycare felt hollow. The walls stretched too far, and the air pressed too hard.

The only sounds left were the soft hum of the Nanny bot as it busied itself with end-of-day routines—wiping surfaces, restocking shelves—and the slow, rhythmic creak of the bouncer springs as Kaylee swayed gently.

Ash turned, her eyes settling on the small woman in the seat.

Kaylee bobbed her pacifier methodically, her legs spread comfortably apart, thickly padded, and undisturbed. The hypnotic fog clung to her, lulling her into a compliant haze.

Ash’s stomach churned.

The daycare was empty.

She was alone with Kaylee.

It was time.

Reaching into her pocket, her fingers brushed against the hidden syringe, cool and metallic against her skin.

Ash moved quickly but carefully, gathering Kaylee into her arms with the ease of someone who had done it a thousand times before. Kaylee murmured at the shift in movement, her body instinctively curling into Ash’s warmth, her pacifier bobbing lazily between her lips.

The daycare lights dimmed behind them as Ash stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. The world beyond the daycare felt real again—less suffocating, less scripted. 

The streets were mostly quiet, the hum of the city a distant murmur beneath the weight of her thoughts.

She locked the door behind her with a quiet click, adjusting Kaylee’s weight on her hip before making the familiar trek back to her apartment. The small woman in her arms remained pliant, her head resting against Ash’s shoulder, her soft, rhythmic suckling filling the silence between them.

Ash’s grip on her tightened.

This wasn’t Kaylee. Not really.

But she could be again.

By the time they reached the apartment, Ash was tense with anticipation, her pulse hammering in her ears. She entered quickly, locking the door before exhaling slowly and grounding herself.

The apartment was dimly lit, the space quiet and unintrusive. Safe.

She moved to the couch, settling down with Kaylee still in her arms, adjusting the girl so she could look at her properly.

"How are you doing?" Ash asked, her voice soft and conversational as if they weren’t teetering on the edge of something irreversible.

Kaylee didn’t answer right away.

Her expression remained hazy. Her posture was lost, and her hands and body relaxed automatically. She blinked slowly, her lips still working her pacifier, and her fingers twitched slightly against Ash’s shirt.

For a moment, Ash feared she was too far gone.

But then—

Kaylee’s face scrunched up slightly.

Her small hands rose, rubbing her eyes as if trying to wipe away the fog clinging to her mind physically.

"Mmm…" she hummed, voice thick with regression. Then, after a pause, she pulled her pacifier from her lips with an awkward pop, blinking up at Ash.

"I…" Kaylee hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. "I dunno."

But the words weren’t mindless.

They weren’t the cooing babble she had been slipping into more and more lately.

They were real.

She was real.

Ash’s chest tightened.

"That’s okay," she said softly. "I just wanted to check-in. You seemed a little out of it earlier."

Kaylee let out a small, thoughtful hum, her fingers absently playing with the hem of Ash’s sleeve. Her eyes were still heavy, her body still relaxed, but there was thought behind them now.

A flicker of something familiar.

"Yeah…" Kaylee admitted, rubbing at her face again before glancing up. "I think… I think I was kinda zoned out."

Ash forced herself to stay calm, keep her grip loose, and act like this was just another night.

"Yeah?" she prompted. "Think you're feeling a little more here now?"

Kaylee blinked.

Then, slowly, she nodded.

Not much. But enough.

Ash exhaled, her fingers curling around the syringe still hidden in her pocket.

Now or never.

Ash steadied her breath. Her fingers curled around the syringe as she withdrew it from her pocket, presenting it in her open palm like an offering. The small, sealed vial of liquid inside glowed faintly under the dim apartment lights, the promise—or the threat—of something new hovering between them.

"We have a present," she murmured, her voice steady despite her heart pounding. "From Venli."

Kaylee’s eyes went wide.

She sat up straighter, blinking rapidly as she glanced from Ash’s face to the syringe and back again.

"Is… is that the serum?" Kaylee asked voice hushed, uncertain, but undeniably there.

Ash nodded, her grip tightening slightly.

"I think so," she admitted. "I’m not certain, but… I’m reasonably sure. What else could it be?"

Kaylee swallowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. She hesitated a moment longer before reaching forward, her fingers ghosting over the syringe before finally closing around it.

It was light in her hands.

So small.

But it held everything.

She looked up at Ash, her brows furrowed. "Are you sure?"

Ash inhaled sharply, nodding gingerly.

"Even if it doesn’t work how we hope," she said, "I think it’ll at least protect you from further hypnosis. I can’t…" Her throat tightened. "I can’t stand by and watch them erase you, Kaylee, no matter what’s happened, no matter what I feel."

Kaylee’s lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across her features before softening into something quieter.

"Ash…"

Her expression wavered as though she wanted to say more—but instead, she offered a small, bashful smile.

"Thank you."

She swallowed thickly, tightening her grip on the syringe. "I’ll repay you for this. I promise."

Ash gave a wry huff. "Just don’t let Naomi win."

Kaylee gave a short, breathy chuckle, nodding as she gingerly uncapped the syringe. The protective lid clicked free, revealing the thin, sharp needle beneath.

She took a deep breath.

Her hands shook.

Ash reached forward, steadying them, her fingers wrapping around Kaylee’s in quiet reassurance.

Kaylee looked up, her eyes meeting Ash’s.

A silent understanding passed between them.

With one final breath, they moved together.

The needle slid into Kaylee’s thigh.

A sharp hiss of pain escaped her lips, but she didn’t pull away, didn’t flinch. She took it.

And then, it was done.

Ash pulled it free, quickly recapping the syringe before setting it aside.

They sat silently for a long moment, their breathing the only sound between them.

Then, Kaylee’s fingers twitched.

A shudder passed through her.

And the change began.

Ash steadied her breath. Her fingers curled around the syringe as she withdrew it from her pocket, presenting it in her open palm like an offering. The small, sealed vial of liquid inside glowed faintly under the dim apartment lights, the promise—or the threat—of something new hovering between them.

"We have a present," she murmured, her voice steady despite her heart pounding. "From Venli."

Kaylee’s eyes went wide.

She sat up straighter, blinking rapidly as she glanced from Ash’s face to the syringe and back again.

"Is… is that the serum?" Kayle asked voice hushed, uncertain, but undeniably there.

Ash nodded, her grip tightening slightly.

"I think so," she admitted. "I’m not certain, but… I’m reasonably sure. What else could it be?"

Kaylee swallowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. She hesitated a moment longer before reaching forward, her fingers ghosting over the syringe before finally closing around it.

It was light in her hands.

So small.

But it held everything.

She looked up at Ash, her brows furrowed. "Are you sure?"

Ash inhaled sharply, nodding gingerly.

"Even if it doesn’t work how we hope," she said, "I think it’ll at least protect you from further hypnosis. I can’t…" Her throat tightened. "I can’t stand by and watch them erase you, Kaylee, no matter what’s happened, no matter what I feel."

Kaylee’s lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across her features before softening into something quieter.

"Ash…"

Her expression wavered as though she wanted to say more—but instead, she offered a small, bashful smile.

"Thank you."

She swallowed thickly, tightening her grip on the syringe. "I’ll repay you for this. I promise."

Ash gave a wry huff. "Just don’t let Naomi win."

Kayleegavet gave a short, breathy chuckle, nodding as she gingerly uncapped the syringe. The protective lid clicked free, revealing the thin, sharp needle beneath.

She took a deep breath.

Her hands shook.

Ash reached forward, steadying them, her fingers wrapping around Kaylee’s in quiet reassurance.

Kaylee looked up, her eyes meeting Ash’s.

A silent understanding passed between them.

With one final breath, they moved together.

The needle slid into Kaylee’s thigh.

A sharp hiss of pain escaped her lips, but she didn’t pull away, didn’t flinch. She took it.

And then, it was done.

Ash pulled it free, quickly recapping the syringe before setting it aside.

They sat silently for a long moment, their breathing the only sound between them.

Then, Kaylee’s fingers twitched.

A shudder passed through her.

And the change began.

Ash’s breath caught as she watched Kaylee’s body shift slightly.

It was subtle, almost imperceptible. A faint elongation of her limbs, the smallest hint of her form expanding before her eyes. The change wasn’t much, but Ash saw it.

And so did Kaylee.

Kaylee's gaze snapped to her hands and then her legs, her eyes widening with hope. Her breath hitched as she flexed her fingers, and her expression flickered between disbelief and exhilaration.

But then—

It stopped.

The growth faded, ceasing as suddenly as it had begun.

Kaylee’s face fell. The excitement in her eyes dulled, and the brief spark of victory snuffed out as reality settled over her.

"No…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She looked up at Ash; confusion etched deep into her features. "Why did it stop?"

Ash swallowed hard, her shock making it difficult to form words. "I—I don’t know."

Before she could process, before she could think before she could even react—

Kaylee’s eyes are suddenly unfocused.

The light behind them dimmed, a fog rolling over her expression like a storm cloud swallowing the sky.

Then—

A hiss.

A distinct, unmistakable sound filled the air.

Ash’s stomach plummeted.

She knew that sound.

She had heard it a thousand times before.

Kaylee was wetting herself.

Right there, right in front of her, without hesitation, without awareness.

And then—

Kaylee giggled.

A soft, airy, mindless giggle bubbled from her lips. A stream of drool spilled down her chin, unchecked, unbothered.

She looked up at Ash—her pacifier gone, her lips curled into the most innocent, empty smile.

And then—

"Mommy!"

She reached for Ash, her tiny hands making grabby motions, her fingers flexing eagerly as if expecting to be scooped up—as if this was normal.

Ash froze.

Her body locked, her breath hitched, and her heart slammed against her ribs in a violent, erratic rhythm.

"No," she whispered, barely audible.

Kaylee only giggled in response.

The regression—

The hypnosis—

It hadn’t broken.

It had gotten worse.

*

The sky stretched above them in an endless canvas of deep indigo, the last remnants of daylight swallowed by the encroaching night. The castle stood tall and proud, bathed in golden light, its spires reaching toward the heavens like something out of a dream. Around them, the park pulsed with quiet anticipation. The hum of conversation, the occasional burst of laughter, the rustling of movement as families and friends secured their spots—all built toward the same inevitable moment. The fireworks would begin soon.

Hannah sat nestled in her stroller, cocooned by its soft padding, a pacifier bobbing rhythmically between her lips. The gentle suckling motion was second nature now, a quiet, unconscious comfort as she took in the world around her. The crowd pressed in at the edges of her vision, but she barely noticed. The stroller’s high sides and the reassuring presence of Welby and Evelyn behind her made her feel safe and secure.

Emily and Lucas stood beside her, their excitement radiating like a warm, unseen energy. Lucas practically bounced on his feet, his fingers tightening and loosening around Emily’s hand as he chattered animatedly about the show. “I heard they do the big ones first,” he said, his eyes gleaming in the soft glow of the castle lights. “Then they build up to the crazy finale!”

Emily giggled, squeezing his hand in return. “I read that they time the music perfectly with each firework. It’s supposed to feel like the castle is making the magic happen.” Her voice was wonderful, her auburn hair catching the light as she glanced toward the castle, her green eyes reflecting the golden hues.

Hannah felt a small smile tug at the edges of her lips, the pacifier bobbing slightly as she did. It was hard not to get swept up in their excitement. Even though she was seated while they stood and strapped into a stroller while they had the freedom to move, she still felt connected to them at that moment.

Welby and Evelyn stood just behind them, their presence grounding and steady. Hannah could hear the warmth in their voices as they spoke, their hands still intertwined, their conversation low and affectionate. She didn’t need to turn around to know Welby was watching over them all, his protective instincts never fading even amid such a lighthearted moment.

The park’s lights still shone brightly, casting soft glows across the crowd. Hannah’s gaze flitted to the castle again, its towering form beautiful against the dark sky. Soon, the lights would dim. Soon, the first firework would crackle to life, painting the night with bursts of color 

and sound.

She felt anticipation bubbling inside her, a warmth in her chest that she wasn’t used to. A few hours ago, she had been humiliated beyond belief, feeling small and exposed in a way that had made her want to disappear. But now, as the air vibrated with the crowd's shared excitement, Emily and Lucas whispered beside her. Welby loomed strong and unwavering behind her; she felt something else entirely.

Content.

She shifted slightly in her stroller, the faint crinkle of her diaper barely audible over the surrounding chatter. Welby’s hand found her shoulder, his touch light and reassuring.

“Almost time, sweetheart,” he murmured. “You ready?”

Hannah let out a soft hum around her pacifier, her nod slow but certain.

The sky darkened further. The music swelled faintly in the distance.

Any second now.

The park fell into a hushed stillness as the lights dimmed, only to flicker back to life in a brief, anticipatory flash. The crowd murmured with excitement, voices rising in hushed whispers as everyone prepared for the spectacle to begin. The warm glow of the castle seemed to intensify, its golden spires standing tall against the ink-black sky. Any moment now.

Emily and Lucas wasted no time, eagerly scrambling onto the ledge beside Welby and Evelyn to secure a better view. Their movements were filled with the boundless energy of Littles unburdened by worry, their eyes wide with anticipation. When they settled, their hands braced against the stone ledge, they exchanged grins, practically vibrating with excitement.

Hannah, however, had a problem.

Her view was completely blocked. The high sides of the stroller, the bodies shifting in front of her—she could see nothing but the faint glow of lights above. She let out a soft whine around her pacifier, kicking her legs slightly against the padded footrest in frustration.

Welby’s warm chuckle rumbled behind her. “Alright, sweetheart, let’s get you a better view.”

The familiar clicks of the stroller’s buckles echoed softly as he unfastened her restraints, his large hands easily lifting her up and out of her seat. She instinctively clung to him as he adjusted her in his arms, but his brow furrowed as he glanced at the ledge where Lucas and Emily were seated.

The space was tight—big enough for two Littles but not enough for a third. There was no way Hannah would fit comfortably beside them. Welby’s grip tightened slightly as he considered his options, but before he could say anything, Lucas, who had been watching, grinned and patted his lap.

“She can sit with me,” Lucas offered brightly, his voice full of casual ease. “I don’t mind.”

Hannah’s heart nearly stopped.

Her blush deepened immediately, spreading across her cheeks like wildfire. Her eyes darted from Lucas to Welby, then back again, uncertainty swirling in her stomach. Lucas’s expression was open and easygoing, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement as if he thought nothing of the suggestion.

Welby looked down at Hannah, his gaze full of silent questioning. The choice was hers.

Hannah hesitated momentarily before giving a small, resigned shrug, her pacifier bobbing slightly in her mouth. It wasn’t like she had a better option. And Lucas didn’t seem bothered. If anything, he looked… amused.

Welby nodded, his grip shifting as he lowered her onto Lucas’s lap.

The moment she was seated, heat rushed to her face. Lucas’s arm instinctively wrapped around her waist, holding her steady as she settled against him. The soft, thick bulk of her diaper squished against him, molding to his lap in a way that made her want to disappear into the night. The feeling was impossible to ignore, the padding thick and plush beneath her, pressing into Lucas with every tiny movement.

Lucas, however, didn’t seem phased at all. If anything, he gave her a small, reassuring squeeze, his grin widening slightly. “See? No problem,” he murmured.

Hannah wished she could will herself into another dimension.

Emily, seated beside them, hid a giggle behind her hand, her green eyes twinkling with mischief. Standing behind them, Evelyn smiled knowingly, offering no comment but enjoying the moment.

Welby leaned down, brushing a hand gently over Hannah’s bonnet. “Comfy, sweetheart?”

Hannah managed a small nod, her pacifier still firmly in place. She didn’t trust herself to speak.

The distant hum of music began to swell, signaling the show's start. A hush fell over the crowd as the first bursts of light streaked into the sky, shimmering in brilliant gold before exploding into cascading showers of color. Gasps of delight filled the air, the spectacle unfolding in mesmerizing beauty against the night.

Lucas gave Hannah a small, playful nudge. “Told you it’d be a good seat.”

Hannah groaned softly, her face still burning, but as she leaned back slightly against him, the embarrassment slowly gave way to something else—something warm and unfamiliar. Despite everything, despite the squishy bulk of her diaper pressed against him, despite her crimson cheeks, she felt… safe.

The sky continued to bloom with vibrant light, reflecting in her wide green eyes, and for the first time in a long while, she let herself relax.

The park fell into utter darkness.

For a heartbeat, everything was still—silent. Even the crowd's murmurs seemed to hush, anticipation thick in the cool night air. The only sound was the distant rush of wind, the hum of magic about to unfold.

Then, in an instant, the castle exploded with color.

Vibrant hues of deep blue, fiery red, and brilliant gold cascaded across its towering spires, shifting and swirling like a living painting. Fireworks shot up in all directions, their bright tails streaking across the sky before bursting into dazzling light showers. The thunderous boom echoed through the park, rattling through Hannah’s chest like the pounding of a drum. Music erupted, swelling in triumphant grandeur, and as if from nowhere, Mickey Mouse appeared at the castle’s highest peak, arms outstretched, welcoming them into the magic.

Hannah gasped softly around her pacifier, her breath catching in her throat. Her wide green eyes reflected the riot of colors above, completely entranced.

Her embarrassment—the squishy bulk of her diaper pressing into Lucas’s lap, the warmth of his arm securely wrapped around her waist, the teasing smiles from Emily and Evelyn—everything melted away at that moment. The world had shrunk to the dazzling spectacle before her, every burst of light and pulse of music weaving into something utterly mesmerizing.

She felt Lucas shift slightly beneath her, adjusting his grip around her middle, but she barely registered it. Even the occasional squeeze of reassurance, the gentle rock of his body with each deep boom of the fireworks, faded into the background.

The sky exploded again, a massive golden burst spreading like a thousand twinkling stars before shimmering into nothingness. The music soared higher, and the castle responded, its colors shifting in perfect harmony. Hannah felt something warm, soft, and light settle in her chest, a feeling she hadn’t realized she’d been missing.

Pure wonder.

She sucked gently on her pacifier, her fingers curling slightly around the hem of her onesie as she nestled just a little closer against Lucas’s chest, her head resting lightly against his shoulder. He didn’t say anything—didn’t tease, didn’t comment. He held her steady, his gaze locked on the sky, equally enraptured.

Emily had her hands clasped together, her mouth slightly open in awe. Welby and Evelyn stood behind them, their hands still intertwined, watching with matching smiles of quiet contentment.

Another firework shot high above, trailing sparkling silver before bursting into a thousand shimmering embers. The crowd gasped in unison, its sheer beauty leaving them breathless.

Hannah let herself be swept away in it.

For the first time in a long while, she felt small—not in the way that embarrassed her, not in the way that made her feel powerless, but in the way that made her feel safe, like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

As the fireworks painted the night with endless colors, she let herself sink into that feeling, losing herself in the moment's magic.

The fireworks painted the sky in streaks of brilliant gold and shimmering blue. Each burst sent a rolling boom through Hannah’s chest, vibrating her core. The colors reflected in her wide green eyes, but it was more than just the dazzling spectacle that held her in place. It was the warmth, the quiet, steady love that surrounded her.

She felt Emily’s hand, a gentle, reassuring touch against her thigh. Emily’s fingers traced small, comforting patterns before intertwining with Lucas’s, their hands resting lightly against Hannah’s leg. The simple gesture sent a new warmth through Hannah’s chest, something soft, grounding, and safe.

Emily leaned in without a word, kissing Hannah’s flushed cheek gently, her breath warm and reassuring. She didn’t say anything—she didn’t need to. It was a silent promise, a quiet understanding that words could never fully capture. They were here. Together.

Hannah let out a small breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her body relaxing against Lucas’s lap. He, too, said nothing, but his arm remained firm around her waist, his presence steady and unwavering.

Her gaze drifted, drawn instinctively to Welby and Evelyn, the man who had anchored her since arriving in this world that had once felt so terrifying. Welby’s strong arm was draped over Evelyn’s shoulders, pulling her close as their fingers remained laced together. There was something effortlessly natural about how they fit together—two halves of a whole, two protectors who had become more than just caregivers.

Family.

That word sent a ripple of warmth through Hannah’s chest, something deeper than comfort, something stronger than safety. She swallowed around the lump in her throat, her pacifier bobbing slightly as she turned her gaze back upward.

Another firework exploded overhead, this one so massive that it seemed to stretch across the entire sky, its golden embers raining down like falling stars. The boom resonated deep in Hannah’s chest, reverberating through her bones, shaking something loose inside her.

She felt at peace for the first time since coming to the Amazon world.

For the first time, she felt like she belonged.

And, for the first time in a long time… she felt like she had a family. A real one. One that saw her—not just a Little, not just something small and fragile—but her.

Loved. Cherished.

Hannah let out a slow, steady sigh, sinking into the moment, into the warmth of her sister’s touch, Lucas’s constant presence, and Welby and Evelyn’s quiet love.

The sky above burned with color, and Hannah believed in something bright and real for the first time in forever.

She belonged.

And nothing could take that away from her now.