>>Pen
The city was alive with lights and sounds, and my heart felt like it was soaring along with it.
Festivals like these didn't happen often, especially ones where the entire family would head into the city. I loved seeing everything—the bright stalls, the street performers, the way the air smelled sweet from all the treats being sold.
But most of all, I looked to my side and my heart bubbled up with joy.
I loved being here with Val.
We wandered through the crowded streets, moving from one stall to the next. I kept stealing glances at him, watching how his golden eyes lit up with each new thing we saw. He looked... different today. The festival lanterns made his hair shine, giving it an almost magical glow.
I could see other girls noticing too, and it was starting to make my skin crawl.
