A few minutes later, the hovertaxi docked at the Nexus Tower's 10th-floor entrance. The hallway lights were already dimming—closing time.
The restaurant was empty. Chairs flipped on tables, lights on half-bright, and the smell of warm food still hung in the air. The staff had already left. The only one still there was Seraphina.
She turned around when she heard the door open—and froze for a second.
But then she smiled. A genuine one.
"You guys went out or something?" she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.
"We went furniture shopping," Lyra replied, plopping down at her usual spot.
Seraphina looked at her, then at Xavier. "So… the new apartment's finally ready?"
Lilia nodded. "The furniture's getting installed overnight. We'll move in tomorrow morning."
Seraphina smiled again, but this time it was soft. A little sad. Distant.
She muttered, "So… that means you won't be coming here to eat anymore."
Xavier looked straight at her. "You make the best food in the tower."
