As the sun's last amber glow faded beyond the rooftops, the four reached the heart of the capital. The plaza shimmered under golden lanterns, their light dancing upon the cobblestones. Merchants displayed their wares along the edges, while the air was alive with the lilting strains of violins, ukuleles, and gentle flutes. Couples twirled upon the raised plaza stage, their laughter and music mingling in a melody of evening joy.
Mrs Joana busied herself, pointing out various shops where Elira might find something she liked. Elira, however, politely shook her head, worried that Mrs Joana would spend too much again. Behind them, the two gentlemen carried the parcels and goods they had already purchased for Mrs Joana and Elira. Sylas bore five bags on one arm, while Cassian carried only two—the ones belonging to Elira.
"We do look like guards here," Cassian muttered, nudging Sylas playfully.
"You can head back to the house first. Let me escort my mother and Elira," Sylas said coolly, rolling his eyes.
"You go home first because you're the reason for my boredom, ahaha," Cassian replied, teasing, as they walked through the growing crowd, the plaza slowly becoming more crowded with every passing minute.
"Shall we have an early supper first?" Mrs Joana exclaimed. Soon, she, Elira, and the two gentlemen found seats at a small café. Though the place was gently bustling, it mattered little to Mrs. Joana; seeing her children content—especially the sweet, timid Elira—made every crowded moment worthwhile.
"At last… I can sit. We've walked so far! Nanny, I had no idea the plaza at this hour would be so alive with amusement and people," Cassian said, sinking into his chair and savouring the moment. He had not expected the capital's plaza to be so vibrant every night, as he usually only lingered around the mansion. Sylas, too, had not visited the Market of Hearts in the capital for a long time, which explained its lively atmosphere.
"You're right, Cassian… but it's a big opportunity for those selling small items, like me," Elira said, her face lighting up with a cute smile.
"Really? How do you know?" Cassian asked, intrigued.
"Actually, if my bracelets haven't sold during the day, I usually come here to sell them again until they're all sold," Elira explained quietly to herself, smiling shyly. Cassian allowed himself a faint smile in return. Soon, their order arrived, and they ate happily, enjoying the evening together.
After a brief pause, Sylas decided to escort his mother back to the café, mindful of her tired steps after so much walking. Cassian, unable to resist the lively charm of the plaza and its colorful bustle, offered to accompany Elira instead. Unlike Sylas, whose quiet and reserved nature often kept him alone, Cassian thrived in the vibrancy of crowds, in the warmth of spontaneous laughter, in the simple delight of a market alive with life. He moved with the easy joy of someone discovering a new world, his eyes glinting with a youthful curiosity that Sylas, already in his thirties, seldom allowed himself to indulge. Cassian, though only twenty-four, had the soul of an adventurer, his energy and mischievous delight drawing smiles from those who glimpsed it.
Elira followed closely, weaving carefully through the throng of people. Merchants displayed garments, trinkets, and all manner of curious wares along the streets, and the aroma of fresh bread and candied treats floated in the air.
"Come on, Elira, let's take a look," Cassian urged, his voice playful as he threaded between the crowd with practiced ease. Elira struggled to keep pace, her skirts brushing against other shoppers, her hands clutching her dress tightly.
"Wait, Cassian!" she called, breathless and flushed.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concern flicking across his features as he paused and turned toward her.
"It's just… you walk faster than me," she admitted softly, smoothing her skirt. There was a fragile cuteness in the way she fussed, and Cassian's lips curved into a faint, amused smile.
"Then hold my hand, so you won't get left behind," he said lightly, his voice teasing yet gentle. At first, Elira hesitated—her heart thudding nervously in her chest—but slowly, she offered her hand. When their fingers intertwined, a spark of electricity seemed to pass between them. Elira's cheeks deepened to a rosy glow. She glanced at him briefly, unsure of what to expect, but Cassian's expression remained calm, casual even, though his own pulse was quickened by the softness of her small, delicate hand in his.
They moved together through the crowd, the world narrowing to the feel of their hands clasped, the small warmth and fragility of her palm against his. Elira tried to appear composed, but inwardly, her heart raced, each step beside him a thrill. Cassian's calm, confident presence grounded her, even as the bustling crowd pressed in around them.
As they walked, a stall caught Elira's eye—cotton candy spun into a perfect, fluffy cloud. Her eyes sparkled, and she tugged lightly at Cassian's sleeve, bringing them to a halt.
"Look! Cotton candy!" she whispered, delight dancing in her voice.
Cassian tilted his head in playful confusion. "What's that?"
Elira laughed softly, the sound like wind chimes. "It's cotton candy! A soft, fluffy cloud of spun sugar, sweet and airy, melting instantly on your tongue," she explained, already biting into a piece with evident pleasure. Then, with an innocent smile, she held out a small tuft toward him. "Do you want some?"
Cassian shook his head gently, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No, just savor it yourself, Elira," he said simply, eyes fixed on her rather than the treat. He watched, quietly captivated, as she bit into the sweet cloud, her golden eyes lighting up with delight. Even in such a simple moment, there was something utterly enchanting about her—pure, alive, and completely unaware of the effect she had on him.
Once satisfied, they continued on, the crowd gradually thinning, allowing them to walk side by side. Cassian's presence was close enough that Elira felt a gentle warmth nearby, though their hands barely brushed. She noticed it, heart fluttering slightly, unsure why such a simple nearness made her feel so aware. Cassian, calm and playful, let the quiet tension linger, enjoying the little spark of connection as they walked together without needing words.
"Do you come here often, Elira?" he asked, his voice soft, carrying a weight beneath the lightness of his smile.
"Yes," she replied quietly, forcing a small smile though her mind was elsewhere.
"Why?" he pressed gently, curiosity sharpening his tone.
"Because here, it's lively. People smile… some even dance on the plaza stage. It feels… free," she said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
Cassian's eyes softened, though a faint shadow of concern lingered there. "Was your life always so hard before Nanny Joana found you?" he asked, voice low, almost fragile, as if asking something delicate and private. Even though Cassian already knew what Sylas had told him about her, hearing her words directly made it feel different—closer, more real, as though he could feel the weight of her past without her having to speak it aloud.
Elira's gaze drifted to a small merchant stall nearby, where delicate hairpins sparkled in every shape and color. Her eyes settled on one—a butterfly-shaped pin, adorned with pearls, rhinestones, and a branch of red velvet flowers with tiny pearl dangles. She picked it up, turning it gently in her hands, her golden eyes deep and already answering Cassian's unspoken question.
"Yes… yet I am not bound to remain there forever," she murmured softly, more to herself than anyone else. "For sometimes the bravest victory is simply to walk away from the darkest place. And if this is but a dream… let me linger within it, for I would sooner lose the dawn than wake and let this moment fade."
Her honesty struck him unexpectedly. Elira had endured much yet never lost hope. Her courage shone, quiet but unwavering, and Cassian felt an unfamiliar warmth tug at his chest. He stepped closer, gently placing the hairpin in her hair.
"That's better. Don't take it off, okay?" he said cheerfully, paying the merchant. Elira's eyes widened slightly, a soft giggle escaping her as she thanked him.
Their steps eventually brought them to the heart of the plaza. Lanterns cast a warm golden glow, mingling with the silver of the rising moon, and the music swelled gently from the musicians near the stage. People had begun to dance, their movements light and joyful. Cassian turned to Elira, extending his hand, a playful glint dancing in his deep blue eyes.
"Shall we?" he asked, voice gentle yet teasing.
Elira's fingers brushed against his, hesitation coloring her features. She had never danced, and the thought of moving before the gathering crowd made her heart pound.
"I… I don't know if I can…" she murmured, almost breathless.
Cassian smiled, warm and patient. "Then let me lead. Just follow my steps, nothing more."
With a deep breath, she placed her hand in his, and they stepped onto the raised stage together. Lantern light and moonlight merged, casting their long shadows across the cobblestones.
The music guided them, lilting and alive, and slowly, Elira relaxed under his steady presence. She laughed softly as he twirled her once, the movement thrilling rather than frightening. Her skirts swirled around her like petals in a gentle wind, her heart racing—not with fear, but with the warmth his gentle touch and teasing encouragement kindled.
Their eyes met often—hers wide and luminous, his calm yet alight with quiet delight. Every glance was a wordless conversation, each smile a spark of unspoken connection.
"See? Even the moon itself celebrates tonight," Cassian murmured, guiding her through another soft spin.
Time seemed to suspend around them. Music, laughter, and moonlight wrapped them in a perfect, fleeting cocoon.
As their dance drew to a gentle close, the night sky exploded in a cascade of fireworks. Elira's breath caught, eyes wide as she stared upward, mesmerized. Her butterfly hairpin shimmered with the bursts of light, pearl dangles swaying as she lifted her gaze. She was so captivated that everything else faded—the plaza, the music, the crowd—all gone in the presence of the brilliant sky.
Cassian did not look at the fireworks. His gaze remained fixed solely on her, enthralled by the wonder shining in her golden eyes. Every flicker of light illuminated her delight, her innocence, her unguarded joy, and he felt a quiet ache, a warmth in his chest he had not expected.
Reaching out instinctively, he rested a hand near hers—not to distract, only to share silently in the magic. She remained unaware, too absorbed in the display above. Cassian allowed himself a secret, contented smile, his heart swelling at her pure happiness.
Beneath the shining moon and the firework-lit sky, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them. A perfect, fleeting night of laughter, wonder, and tender discovery, where unspoken feelings lingered like a soft echo, and every stolen glance and gentle touch carried the quiet promise of something more.