The evening air was cool and sweet, carrying the scent of roasted nuts and spun sugar from the circus grounds. Nero and Khione walked slowly through the lingering crowd, their hands still clasped, their steps unhurried. The main show was over, but the night was still young, and the circus grounds were alive with smaller attractions—games, food stalls, performers entertaining small groups.
Nero's phone buzzed. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. A message from Lux.
Something came up. Can't make it tonight. Rain check?
He showed the message to Khione. She read it, then looked up at him, a faint smile on her lips.
"Just us, then," she said.
"Just us," he agreed.
