On the other side, the city still wrapped in the amber glow of the Festival of the First Flame.
Though most of the revelry would peak after dusk, the streets were already alive—children chasing illusion-kites shaped like phoenixes, perfumed vendors hawking flame-glazed fruit, and tiny fireworks that popped with flower petals instead of sound. Somewhere in the distance, temple drums beat steadily beneath the crackle of celebratory spellbursts, marking the noon hour with reverent rhythm.
