The night air was crisp when Xavier finally stepped out of the church's inner halls. The silver glow clung faintly to his form, his steps calm and steady as he crossed the courtyard.
Ahead, the Valemont carriage waited, its lacquered surface reflecting the pale light of the moon. Guards lingered at a distance, but Seraphina herself stood near the open door, her posture elegant yet relaxed.
As he approached, her silver eyes lifted to meet his. She gave him that faint smile — the one that never fully reached her eyes but was uniquely hers.
"Sorry," Xavier said first, breaking the silence as he closed the distance. "I made you wait too long."
Seraphina tilted her head, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Don't mind it," she replied smoothly. "Waiting is easy when I know you'll return. Besides…" her gaze sharpened briefly, though amusement tugged at her lips, "you always seem to keep me waiting, don't you?"
