The streets of Valon were alive.
Glowing lanterns swayed gently above the cobbled roads, their colors shifting from gold to lavender as spring whispered its arrival through the breeze. The smell of roasted chestnuts, spices, and sweet syrup drifted from street vendors. Children ran between carriages. Nobles and merchants bustled through the main square in tailored coats and early spring dresses.
Noel walked ahead, hands in his pockets, the light brushing against his face.
'Spring's almost here… That means my birthday too.'
His thoughts trailed off until—
"Noel," Elena said, cutting into the quiet.
He turned, slightly startled. "Hmm?"
"I thought we'd be alone tonight."
He blinked. "Why would you think that?"
She gave him a half-smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You invited me, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but I also owed Selene a favor," he said simply. "She helped me a few weeks ago with something important. And since you helped me study today, I figured… two birds, one dinner."
