The wind whipped through Lydia's white dress as Ignis carried her high above the academy grounds, his fiery wings cutting smoothly through the twilight sky. She clung to his neck, heart still racing from the almost-kiss on the river and the sudden interruption. Below them, the parade continued in full swing, colorful banners waving and distant cheers rising like waves.
Then she saw it. Just at the other side of the school grounds, close to the parade.
A long stretch of track lit by floating lanterns, packed with spectators and guardians. Five figures standing ready for a race.
"Kael!" she gasped, spotting the silver-haired wolf prince standing forward in the middle of the pack. "Ignis, drop me! But somewhere secluded. I want to watch, but I don't want everyone staring at me "
Ignis's arms tightened around her for a second. His voice came out gruff, a clear hint of jealousy threading through the warmth. "You sure? We could keep going. The Griffin Tower is quiet."
