The enchanted timepiece struck ten, its chimes resonating through the grand ballroom with notes that seemed to carry the weight of ancient magic itself.
Veronica gathered her formal robes about her, the constellation patterns now dimmed as if reflecting the late hour. "I must return to the bureau," she said, her voice carrying the crisp authority of her position. "The night shift will need my signature on the ward rotations."
Jaegar noticed how she straightened her Ministry insignia, a habit he'd observed whenever she shifted from social to professional mode. "Safe travels, my lady," he said formally, aware of the watching eyes.
The slight incline of her head carried volumes of unspoken meaning as she disappeared, leaving behind a trace of jasmine and parchment in the air.
In the now-thinning crowd, mothers descended the grand staircase like elegant birds coming to roost, collecting their sons and daughters with practiced efficiency.
