The night air was crisp, a welcome contrast to the warmth of the dining hall. As Aeliana and I stepped onto the balcony, the soft hum of the night surrounded us, the distant chirping of crickets and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.
The stone beneath our feet was cool, grounding me just a bit as my heart raced in my chest. I could feel Aeliana's presence beside me, so close and yet still too far away.
I glanced at her, watching as she leaned against the railing, her eyes fixed on the stars above.
There was something so serene about her in that moment, her usual sharp edges softened by the moonlight. It made her seem almost untouchable, and for a second, I hesitated. What was I doing? Why was I so damn nervous?
But then she turned to me, her eyes meeting mine, and that small smile of hers appeared the one that had been driving me crazy ever since we met. It was enough to push me forward, to remind me of why I'd brought her out here in the first place.
