The night had grown quiet by the time the festival lights began to dim, leaving only the soft glow of lanterns swaying in the wind. Most of the crowd had dispersed; laughter still echoed faintly from the distant streets, but the heart of Velria was slowly falling into silence.
Alex and Saeko walked side by side through the cobbled path leading back to the inn. The air was cool and filled with the faint scent of blooming night lilies. Her hand rested in his, neither speaking—their silence spoke louder than words.
When they reached the inn, Alex held the door open for her. It was a quiet, elegant establishment, built in the old eastern style with dark wooden frames and paper-paneled windows that glowed softly from within. The innkeeper bowed politely as they entered, but Alex simply nodded and guided Saeko upstairs.
