Eighteen years ago, Quintessa and Trevon had just arrived in town. Her husband had recently been granted the noble rank of Count, and they were still basking in the warmth of their new life together.
Newly married, the two often went on dates—not grand or elaborate, just strolls through the marketplace, trying out random street food, laughing at small things. Simple moments, but precious all the same. It was the time spent together that mattered.
One such evening, as the sun dipped below the rooftops, casting the sky in hues of orange and gold, Quintessa tugged on Trevon's arm.
"Can we visit the church today?" she asked.
He raised an eyebrow. "The church? It's quite far from here."
Still, seeing the spark in her eyes, he gave in with a soft smile. And so, they walked.
