The morning air carried the crisp scent of salt from the sea, cooler now that the sun was just beginning to rise higher over Nivaria's harbor. Noel and Elena stepped out of the hotel side by side, their steps unhurried, though both knew the day ahead would be anything but light.
At the front of the street, carriages were lined up, polished wood gleaming under the light. Each bore the subtle marks of its house—colors, patterns, design—nothing gaudy, but clear enough to tell where they belonged. Drivers waited by the doors, reins in hand, the horses restless after being kept still for too long.
The moment had come to separate.
Elena tightened her hold on Noel's hand for an instant, her golden eyes searching his. The flush in her ears betrayed her reluctance. "I'll see you there."
"You'd better," Noel replied with a faint smirk, masking the small weight pressing in his chest.
