The city stretched endlessly beneath them, a sea of light spilling out into the horizon, the sky above littered with stars that shimmered faintly through the glass dome. The rooftop of the hotel was quiet, almost sacred in its stillness, as though the world itself had paused to witness this night.
Nero sat back in his chair, the taste of wine still lingering on his tongue, but his attention was wholly fixed on Khione. She had turned slightly, gazing out into the distance, her profile illuminated by both the city lights below and the soft glow of candles flickering at their table. Her expression was calm, as always—icy, untouchable—but there was something different in her eyes tonight. They were softer, warmer, as if a layer of frost had finally begun to thaw.
