The elevator doors slid open to the tenth floor, revealing the dim glow of Seraphina's restaurant. The place was quiet—warm lights, soft jazz humming low through the air, and the usual faint scent of bread and spices hanging around.
Xavier walked in, hands shoved in his pockets, while Lyra followed close behind, tail swaying lazily with each step. They'd been here a hundred times before, but today something felt off. The waiters looked twice when Lyra leaned on his arm instead of keeping her usual few steps of distance.
They reached their usual corner table by the glass wall overlooking the city. Normally, Lyra would take the seat opposite him, but this time she slid right in beside him without hesitation. Her tail brushed against his leg under the table, completely unbothered.
Xavier gave her a side glance. "You do know there's a whole empty seat across from me, right?"
"I like this one better," she said, resting her chin on her hand.
