While the Prince was speaking with Aeonian in the quiet folds of the mountain, the city below was alive in its own heartbeat. Lena and Evelyn drifted through the shopping district like every other pair of sisters—yet their laughter carried something brighter, something the walls and windows seemed eager to hold.
The shops sparkled under warm golden lights. Scarves in soft colors hung like banners, shoes gleamed in neat rows, and little jewelry stalls glistened as though each trinket carried a secret story. Lena, cautious yet eager, let Evelyn tug her forward from one window to another. Evelyn had a way of pulling her into the joy of small things—of ribbons, of earrings shaped like tiny moons, of hats far too extravagant for everyday use but too charming not to try.
"Try this one," Evelyn insisted, placing a wool beret on Lena's head. Lena looked at her reflection in the glass, startled at first, then softened into a smile. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to laugh with her sister without a shadow hovering over them.
Her arms filled with little bags as time passed, but Evelyn's arms carried more. "I told you I wouldn't let you return empty-handed," she teased. Lena rolled her eyes, but she didn't stop her.
As twilight deepened, Evelyn's phone chimed. She opened it quickly, her face lit by the glow of the screen. "Oh, Lena! There's a diner nearby. Everyone on Neither has been posting about it for weeks. Look—see this?" She tilted her phone to show a stream of glittering photos, plates piled with decadent food, neon signs, milkshakes tall enough to share.
Lena chuckled softly. "Trendy food. That's exactly what you'd choose."
"That's exactly what we deserve tonight," Evelyn countered, already tugging her by the wrist.
The diner wasn't far, and its sign was impossible to miss—letters glowing in soft pink and blue, steam curling out of the door with the smell of butter, coffee, and grilled meat. Inside, it was bustling but warm. Booths filled with friends, families, couples, all tucked close together. Music played, soft enough to let the hum of chatter rise above it.
They found a booth near the window, and as soon as they sat, Evelyn clasped Lena's hands across the table. "This feels right, doesn't it?" she said. "Like we're catching up on all the days we lost."
Lena's throat tightened, but she nodded. "It does."
Food came quickly—plates of fries dusted with herbs, burgers stacked tall, and milkshakes crowned with whipped cream. Evelyn snapped photos before touching anything, laughing as Lena tried to swipe a fry while her phone was still angled.
In that moment, Lena thought: This is what happiness should feel like. Ordinary, fleeting, yet whole.
Outside, the city lights twinkled. Somewhere far above, the Prince's sorrow weighed heavy, but here, between two sisters sharing food in a trendy diner, joy reigned—bright and simple, like firelight against winter's chill.
As time passes by and they have finished their food. Lena who was drinking her favorite ice-cream shake flavour was reminded of Dylan, one who never failed to give her, his favorite flavor too. Lena reached for her phone after finishing half her milkshake. A habit—she always wanted to check in with Dylan, even if it was just a quick hello.
She pressed the call button and lifted the phone to her ear, waiting. The line rang. Once. Twice. Three times. No answer.
Her smile faltered.
She tried again, but it went straight to voicemail this time. Lena lowered the phone slowly, staring at the screen, her chest tightening.
"Didn't pick up?" Evelyn asked, noticing the change in her sister's face.
Lena shook her head. "No. Maybe he's busy. Or maybe…" She stopped herself, forcing a smile, though the edges didn't quite reach her eyes.
A part of her mood dimmed, as though someone had pulled the curtain halfway across her light.
Evelyn reached across the table, touching her wrist gently. "Hey, don't do that thing where you overthink. Let's not let this night get heavy, okay? We'll give him his space, and you'll talk later."
Lena exhaled, nodding, though the cloud lingered. Evelyn leaned back suddenly, her eyes brightening with mischief. "Actually, I have an idea. Let's turn this into a real girls' night out. There's a place in Lille I've always wanted to go. I kept it saved, waiting for the right person to visit. And now that you're here"
Her grin widened. "It's perfect. Lille's most famous bar. They say it's where memories get written. What do you say?"
Lena hesitated, then, seeing Evelyn's eager face, felt her mood soften again. "Alright," she said quietly. "Let's go."
And so, from the neon glow of the diner to the luminous heart of Lille's nightlife, the night stretched ahead—promising more than either sister yet imagined.
10 PM, District 1B, Leal
"Huh. " He hear his breathing, looking above at the Sky. The snow was falling quite heavily now. Hurried step was heard.
"The mission is successful. " Dylan heard from ear piece. All of sudden, he felt he was in relief.
Ever since the time they land in Leal, leaving an hour that he spend with Lena and Evelyn, he was busy with mission. Finally they have captured the target and moving back to base.
***
" It was quite busy day mate. " one of his companions said, going into dressing room after taking fresh bath. Dylan smiles at him and take his seat. In fact he dropped on seat.
"Yeah it was tiresome. " he said and turn on his phone. He saw how many calls did he missed and it gives him goosebumps.
He has missed her call many times and perhaps Lena was angry. Lena didn't leave any voice note or text for him. He checked the time. It was almost five hours ago. He quickly got on feet and get ready to leave.
***
"Thank you so much for your help at short notice Mr. Dylan. " the base chief personaly came to see him off.
"It's my pleasure. " Dylan said and the vehicle came into life and start running on snowy road.