The night had grown deep and silent.
Luciel sat quietly at the small wooden table in the dimly lit inn, sipping tea and listening to the muffled hum of the wind outside. The faint scent of roasted tea leaves mixed with the warmth of the lamp flame, filling the room with a sense of calm expectancy.
Across from him, Mino had long since fallen asleep, her arms folded under her head, soft snores muffled against the table. Her long rabbit ears drooped limply, twitching once in a while as if chasing something in a dream.
Luciel smiled faintly at the sight. Then came the sound—
Knock. Knock.
Someone was at the door.
He placed the teacup down, rose quietly so as not to wake Mino, and went to open it.
Standing outside was a white-haired girl, her silver eyes shimmering faintly under the moonlight. Beside her stood another woman, her head wrapped in a long piece of cloth that hid most of her face.
"Elara," Luciel said warmly, stepping aside. "Come in."
