The gondola glided smoothly across the calm waters of the island park, its lantern-lit frame casting soft ripples across the glowing canal. Asher leaned on the edge, wind brushing past his hair as Freya laughed beside him, feeding glowing petals to a flock of floating koi birds that danced around the boat.
Valeris, eyes closed, rested her head on Asher's shoulder, while Catherine and Veyra chatted quietly near the back, the city lights twinkling behind them. Everything was perfect. Peaceful.
Until a deep, echoing boom shattered the air.
The sky above the island flared orange as a sudden explosion rocked the far end of the park—sending birds scattering and lights flickering.
"What the hell—" Freya shot up, already drawing her dagger from her boot.
