On the terrace of Emeralds,
Isabella watched the décor. The terrace had no grand chandelier, only the glow of pendant lights strung between pillars. The soft candlelight reflected off the glassware, casting delicate gold ripples on the dresses. Florals in muted ivory and mauve adorned each table. Everything was subtle yet elegant.
Then she faced the blush of a sunset spreading behind the skyline. Far below, the city hummed quietly, a distant echo of the world they'd left behind for the evening.
"Aveline… she wasn't attending parties and events, was she?" Isabella asked.
Margaret didn't need words to convey that Isabella was also aware of Aveline and Alaric, though the two weren't in a relationship yet. So she simply responded, "She doesn't like them."
Isabella tilted her flute and clinked it with Margaret's. "That's the reason she has such a unique perspective." Her voice held a hint of appreciation.
