The warmth followed us the moment we stepped out of the enormous gates of the city.
It rose from the stone beneath my feet and brushed against my face as I carried Noel through the opening, keeping my hold steady while the wind pulled at his clothes.
Nobody stopped us.
Even after the streets disappeared behind me and the ground softened beneath my boots, no voice called for me to turn around. I continued walking, watching the first few grains of sand gather around my feet.
"...It's warm."
Noel's voice sounded faint beside my ear.
I adjusted him a little higher against my back before answering.
"Even after the sun goes down, it stays like this for a while."
"Sounds... troublesome."
"It is."
A small sound escaped his mouth, almost like a laugh, and his forehead settled against my shoulder again.
