"Safety is important," Marcus acknowledged, his voice rumbling through the chamber. "But growth rarely happens within the confines of comfort."
"That's surprisingly philosophical coming from you," Kai quipped, already gathering their few belongings. "Usually you just grunt and frown thoughtfully."
Marcus shot him a look that was indeed a frown, though there was warmth beneath it. "I contain multitudes."
Samantha gazed around the chamber once more, committing its star-dappled beauty to memory. "I suppose it's time."
Nova, as if sensing the significance of the moment, created a series of small light bubbles that formed a path leading toward the archway—tiny luminous stepping stones guiding them forward.
"Even the baby thinks we should get moving," Kai observed, slinging a bag over his shoulder. "Come on. The big bad world awaits. And I, for one, am actually looking forward to not having my every need anticipated by sentient architecture."
