The restaurant overlooked the beach, its windows open to let in the salty breeze. Lamps of polished crystal hung from the ceiling, casting soft light across tables dressed in white linen.
Noel and Elena were seated near one of the tall windows, the sea visible behind her like a moving painting. A plate of grilled fish and spiced rice rested between them, accompanied by a bottle of pale wine the waiter had insisted was the "finest from Nivaria's coast."
Elena lifted her glass quickly, sipping once, then again. Her pointed ears turned pink, and she set it down harder than intended, earning a soft chuckle from Noel.
"You shouldn't get drunk," he said, eyeing the half-empty glass. "The Hunt Festival is too close."
Elena propped her chin on her palm, her golden eyes hazy but sharp. "That's exactly why. I need to prepare myself… mentally. If I don't relax tonight, all I'll think about is what's waiting."
