The next morning, the Maldives woke in gold and blue, stretching lazily across the horizon.
Lucien and Ivy were already ankle-deep in the water, shrieking every time a wave chased their feet. Being twins meant they competed over everything, including who could scream the loudest, who could dart fastest, who could outplay the other even in the simplest games.
"I'm faster!" Lucien declared, sprinting back as foam rushed toward him, droplets sparkling in the sunlight.
"No, I am!" Ivy shot back, grabbing his hand and dragging him forward, laughter spilling freely from her lips.
Livia stood nearby, sandals abandoned in the sand, laughing as Ryan attempted to build what he confidently called "the ultimate sand fortress," concentration unwavering despite the chaos around him.
"It's leaning," Livia pointed out, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"It's strategic," Ryan corrected, adjusting the tower with careful precision. "Modern architecture."
