The night deepened as the city's glow painted silver lines along the streets. The group wandered for a while afterward, past shop windows, over bridges crossing slow-running water.
Dorian walked a few paces ahead, silent as ever. Nathan and Adrian bickered playfully behind them, their laughter echoing down the street.
Seraphina walked beside Liliana, discussing class reforms and correction, affinity training revisions, already being whispered among instructors.
Elara and Merlin trailed slightly behind the group. She didn't speak at first, only glanced sideways at him now and then, as if measuring the quiet between them.
Finally, she said, "You looked… different today."
He turned to her. "Different?"
She nodded once. "Calmer. But also… distant."
Merlin thought for a long moment. "…Guess I'm still getting used to peace."
Elara's expression softened slightly. "Peace isn't always quiet, Merlin. Sometimes it's just… the space to breathe."
