Mira's POV
The night had settled like a soft blanket over the countryside. The others were either in their rooms or still lounging near the dying embers of the fire pit, but I needed a moment of silence. A moment to breathe.
I stepped onto the back porch of the villa, a shawl around my shoulders, and stood staring up at the moon. My heart was oddly heavy—not in a sad way, but in that overwhelming, fluttery way when you're not sure what's happening to you.
"Couldn't sleep?" a familiar voice asked gently.
I turned to see Selene approaching, barefoot and in a loose white sweater, her face warm in the moonlight.
"Too many thoughts," I admitted, offering her a quiet smile. "You?"
"Antonio snores when he's really tired," she said with a soft laugh, settling beside me. "So… what's racing through that beautiful mind of yours?"
I hesitated. For a long moment, I considered brushing it off. But Selene always had this way of knowing when I needed to talk—like she could hear the noise in my chest without me saying a word.
"I think I'm falling for Ronan," I whispered.
Selene didn't speak right away. She reached out and gently took my hand. "Do you want to fall?"
I looked down, unsure how to answer. "That's the thing. I don't know. I mean, he's funny, and kind… and he listens, Selene. Like, really listens. Today, when I told him about my struggles with stage anxiety before conservatory auditions, he didn't give me advice. He just held space for me."
"That's rare," Selene said softly.
"I know. And it scares me. Because it's been just me, Amara, and Antonio for so long. Falling for someone... it feels like choosing to trust the ground beneath you without checking if it's solid first."
She squeezed my hand. "You're not alone this time, Mira. If he's real—if his feelings are true—you'll know. And if he's not, you've got a family who will catch you every time."
I blinked against the sudden prick of tears. "I didn't expect to feel so much so soon."
"Love doesn't wait for timelines," Selene said. "It just arrives. Loud or soft. Sometimes when you're not ready, but always when your heart needs it."
For a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like—me and Ronan on a quiet morning, sharing coffee, him humming a tune while I played the piano, soft smiles exchanged across crowded rooms.
And just like that… the fear started to shrink.
"You really are like an older sister," I whispered, leaning my head against her shoulder.
"I already consider you one," Selene replied with a smile. "And if Ronan breaks your heart, just know I'm the one Antonio will send to flatten his tires."
I laughed through my tears.
And in that moment, wrapped in moonlight and sisterhood, I let myself hope.