The firework embers had faded from the sky, and the last frame of their film flickered into silence. Only the sound of waves remained now—steady, ancient, rhythmic like a heartbeat.

Kingsley kissed Katherine’s temple, his lips lingering longer than necessary, as if reluctant to break the moment.

“Ready to go back?” he asked, though his hand never left the small of her back.

Katherine nodded, her voice hushed. “Yes… but only if we don’t leave the magic behind.”

He smiled, ...