Beneath The Ashes

I blinked awake slowly, warmth pressed into both my sides.

Zayn's arm was slung across my waist, and Vale's legs were tangled with mine. Their breaths were soft and even. I didn't need to guess—they must have crawled into bed sometime last night.

They  looked like kids. Exhausted kids.

I leaned in, kissing Vale's forehead gently, then Zayn's. Neither stirred. "Sleep well boys," I whispered. "You need it."

Carefully, I untangled myself and slid out from under the covers, pulling the blanket higher over them before stepping out.

Downstairs was quiet. The morning light was pouring in gently, and I caught the faint sound of the coffee machine humming in the kitchen.

Declan came into view from the hallway, wearing black joggers and a sleeveless hoodie. His hair was damp. "You're up early," he said.

I walked over to him. "So are you. Did you eat?"

He shook his head, his usual calm expression in place. "No. Thought I'd wait. You?"

"Let's do it together then," I said.

He gave me a small smile. I hugged him, and he didn't hesitate—wrapping his arms tight around me, lifting me clean off the ground. He set me down right on the kitchen island.

"I missed you Dec," I mumbled.

He looked up at me. "I missed you more, love." Then he smirked. "Now I get to make everyone jealous, because I'm feeding you breakfast."

I rolled my eyes. "You're such a menace."

Declan started pulling things from the kitchen while I grabbed plates. I was about to slide off the counter when I heard footsteps.

Massimo strode into the kitchen, fully dressed for the day in a crisp suit, his usual presence toned down by the amused smile tugging at his lips. His hair was slicked back

"Well," he said, voice low and teasing. "Should I be jealous?"

Declan grinned. "Maybe. She likes having breakfast from me."

I slid off the counter, padding over to Massimo. "Shouldn't you be resting that hand?"

He lifted it slightly, showing the fresh gauze I'd wrapped just the night before. "It's fine, baby girl. You patched me up like a pro."

I frowned and gently took his hand, inspecting it with narrowed eyes. "Does it still hurt?"

Massimo didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he reached around me with his free hand and stole a pancake off my plate. "Don't worry. Your magic works fast." He took a big bite and winked. "Tastes better stolen, anyway."

I shook my head. "You're unbelievable."

He smiled but then his expression shifted—more serious, more grounded. "And Ivy—I meant what I said. Whenever you're ready... I'll tell you everything. Every part of it. You just say the word."

I nodded, not hesitating. "Tonight. When everyone's home and free, I want to know. Everything."

Massimo studied my face, then reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Tonight then."

"I know you guys have to get to work," I said quietly. "And I should catch up on my college stuff too."

His eyes darkened slightly. "Only I'm going. The others are staying here. You don't need all of us gone."

I was about to reply when-

"Ivy's invisible!" Definitely Zayn

"She's GONE!" Thats Vale