The streets of Velkaris glowed beneath the silver wash of moonlight. Mana lanterns floated along the avenues like drifting stars, bathing the stone roads in hues of gold and soft blue. Vendors were closing their stalls, laughter spilling from the open doors of taverns and cafes. The air carried the scent of roasted spices, wine, and night-blooming flowers.
Trafalgar and Mayla walked side by side, their pace unhurried. Around them, families lingered after dinner—children tugging at their parents' hands, couples sharing quiet words beneath the glow of the lamps.
For a moment, Trafalgar slowed down, his gaze fixed on a father lifting his daughter into the air as she laughed uncontrollably. The simple joy of it stirred something deep in his chest.
'Families… normal ones. No titles, no bloodlines, no schemes. Just people living.'
