Location: Vale Estate – Central Kitchen Pavilion, Morning
Sunlight streamed through the crystal ceiling, casting golden patterns across the marble floor.
Birdsong. A gentle breeze. The scent of fresh fruit, sizzling eggs, and imported cinnamon waffles filled the air.
And in the middle of it all? Chaos.
Zeke and Rico were wrestling over the last mango smoothie.
Arielle was sipping her coffee slowly, pretending not to see them.
Elina was already on her third croissant, scrolling the news on a transparent display.
Nova walked in wearing one of Damon's shirts, hair still a mess, yawning like a queen.
And Damon?
He sat at the head of the long breakfast table, dressed casually in silk, smirking behind a cup of black coffee.
Scene: The Kids Join
Caelan walked in first, buttoning up his shirt, flanked by his sisters Azra and Liora, both arguing over who was responsible for burning the toast yesterday.
Liora (smirking): "I said 'light toast.' She gave me charcoal."
Azra: "It was character toast. Builds patience."
Damon (smiling): "You've inherited the sarcasm perfectly."
They sat. Food filled the table—summoned, plated, perfectly portioned.
No need for servants here. The house AI had it covered.
Scene: Morning Banter Begins
Rico (holding a spoon like a mic): "Before we begin, I'd like to say a prayer for this smoothie that Zeke murdered."
Zeke: "That mango died honorably. Get over it."
Arielle (dryly): "Children, please. Breakfast violence is so last century."
Everyone laughed. Even Grayson.
Caelan (to his father): "Big meetings today?"
Damon: "Just a few world-shaping decisions before lunch. Might end hunger in Sector 5 if I get bored."
Nova: "Just don't forget our picnic later. Sector-saving comes second to sandwiches."
Scene: Peace Feels Real
There was no tension. No fear.
Only laughter. Love. A table surrounded by immortals who looked like perfection—and acted like family.
Even after all the wars, blood, secrets, and power?
This was what they fought for.
Final Scene: Outside the Estate
The city skyline shimmered. Floating vehicles moved in organized streams. Green gardens climbed skyscrapers. A hundred nations hummed beneath the Phantom Dynasty.
But inside the Vale estate?
It was just breakfast.
Just peace.