The night began the way it always did. Two hours in the Library of Memories.
Seraphina had curled herself into her favorite alcove, a book open across her lap, though her eyes had skimmed the same passage three times without absorbing a word.
The soft glow of lanterns overhead made the shelves stretch into golden infinity. Normally, the Library's presence calmed her. Tonight, though, her chest was restless, her thoughts slipping again and again to the one who had brought her here.
River had been his usual self - composed, patient, keeping a careful distance as though he didn't wish to intrude upon her study. Yet every time she had glanced his way, she had caught his gaze on her. Steady. Watchful. Intense.
And perhaps that was why, when the two hours ended, she didn't protest when he approached and offered his hand.
"Come," he said simply.
She slid her fingers into his. His grip was warm, grounding, yet something in the way he held her tonight felt different. Purposeful.
