The trail wound gently uphill beneath a canopy of whispering leaves and amber light. Pine mixed with wildflower on the breeze, and Aurelia allowed herself to breathe deeply, letting the calm of the mountain trail settle her nerves.
Not that she'd ever admit to having nerves.
Her arm was firmly looped through Luca's, skin brushing skin with every step. She hadn't asked. Just did it.
And when he didn't pull away—well, that was enough.
His arm's firm. Warm. Nice. Ugh. What am I even thinking…?
Still, a small blush crept across her cheeks, masked quickly with a casual toss of her ponytail.
"You're warmer than I expected," she said lightly, smirking.
His response was predictably awkward. "I guess… thanks?"
"It's not a compliment. You're making me sweat more."
He flailed in protest, which only made her grin wider.
Behind them, Lilliane was walking stiffly beside Aiden, trying so hard to stay composed that it was almost painful to watch.
