The sun dipped lower as the stalls began closing one by one. The market lost some of its clamor, merchants packing away their goods, children tugging parents toward home. Victoria walked ahead now, still buzzing with energy despite the pile of bags hanging from Merlin's arms. She darted into another stall, her voice mixing cheerfully with the shopkeeper's.
Merlin let out a quiet breath, rolling his shoulders to ease the ache. "She doesn't run out of energy, does she?"
Elara stood beside him, hands folded loosely behind her back, gaze following Victoria. "She cares. That is its own strength."
Merlin glanced sideways at her. She wasn't looking at Victoria anymore. Her eyes were on him, violet and sharp, softened only by something he couldn't quite name.
He felt his throat tighten. "…What?"
Her lips parted, a breath catching as if she had been holding it all this time. For once, Elara Vaelith, the elf who carried herself like nothing in the world could move her, looked… hesitant.
