Lake Serenya, supposedly the most romantic spot in the entire capital. Couples strolled the marble bridges, serenaded by enchanted harps. Swans glided across the shimmering waters. The air smelled faintly of roses, cinnamon pastries, and the underlying stench of impending homicide.
Rei rowed. He rowed like a man fleeing taxes, mother-in-laws, and divine lightning combined.
Emilia sat across from him on the gondola-style boat, her parasol tilted delicately, her platinum hair catching the sunlight like a goddess out of a romance painting.
"Rei," she said softly, her voice tender as rippling water. "You didn't have to rent the entire lake just for us."
"I didn't!" Rei wheezed, pulling the oars so fast the water splashed into his face. "That was someone else's idea. I just wanted a quiet—"
BOOM.
The lake surface trembled. A ripple of heat surged across the water.
