The morning sky stretched endlessly above them, painted in hues of azure and streaks of gold as the sun climbed higher. The Qilin soared gracefully, its crimson mane rippling like liquid starlight in the wind. Each beat of its hooves against the clouds echoed faintly, like distant bells, as if the very heavens acknowledged its presence.
The awkward silence that had lingered since their departure from the academy had melted away. Aurelia leaned lightly against Luca, her cheek brushing against his back, her breath warm in the cool breeze. The closeness between them felt natural now—no longer tense, but steady, as though the sky itself approved of their bond.
Luca's voice, soft and thoughtful, broke the quiet.
"Aurelia," he asked, tilting his head slightly so his words would reach her ears, "do you still have that ambition of leading the Drayden family?"
