The shoreline gave way to stone paths as Noel and Elena left the beach behind. The capital of Nivaria stretched before them, alive even under the night sky. Streetlamps powered by mana crystals glowed with a soft, steady light, casting golden pools across the cobblestones. The scent of salt from the sea mingled with spices and roasted food drifting from the market stalls that still clung to life at this hour.

Elena adjusted the hem of her dress, glancing up at the bustle with curiosity. Her hand hovered uncertainly until Noel offered his arm. She hesitated only a moment before slipping hers through his, her pointed ears warming pink under the lantern light.

The streets bustled, but it felt different from Valon. Less polished, more vibrant. Children darted between stalls chasing each other, merchants called out half-heartedly, and music from a lone violinist carried faintly through the air.

Elena's voice broke the silence, soft and almost hesitant. "It feels… normal."

"Normal isn't bad either," Noel replied, his gaze shifting over the stalls.

They passed a row of vendors selling carved seashells and trinkets shaped like dolphins, little things that caught the glow of the lamps. Elena slowed, her gaze lingering on one of the necklaces before shaking her head quickly, brushing her hair back.

Noel noticed, though he said nothing. Instead, he murmured, "Whatever catches your eye, you should take it. But…" His eyes dropped deliberately to the amber pendant already around her neck. "Nothing's going to beat that."

Elena's cheeks flared red, and she ducked her head, gripping his arm tighter. "You really are impossible sometimes."

Together they walked deeper into the heart of the city, the hum of the crowd softening around them. Despite the bustle, Noel found himself noticing only her—the way her hair caught the lamplight, the way she stayed close, the way her presence quieted the noise inside his head.

Elena slowed, her eyes wide as she took it all in. "I didn't think the city would be this lively at night."

"Guess people here don't waste daylight or moonlight," Noel replied, glancing at the dancers.

She tugged lightly at his sleeve. "Do you ever… want to try something like that?"

He followed her gaze. Couples spinning, laughter mixing with strings. He shook his head. "Not really."

Her lips curved, teasing. "Because you'd be terrible at it?"

Noel raised a brow. "Confident words for someone who hasn't seen me dance."

Elena laughed softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "You're right. I haven't. But somehow I can imagine it."

They wandered toward the line of stalls ringing the square. One sold candied nuts, another small carved figures of sea creatures, and one with strings of seashell jewelry. Elena paused, her gaze drifting over the shimmering pieces that dangled in the lamplight.

Noel caught it instantly. "Want one?"

Her cheeks colored faintly. "No… I don't need anything."

"Didn't ask if you needed it," he said evenly. "I asked if you wanted it."

She looked at him, then down at the amber stone resting against her chest. Her fingers brushed it gently, almost unconsciously. "Nothing compares to this."

Noel smirked. "Good answer."

Her ears flushed pink again, but she didn't look away this time. Instead, she leaned just a little closer as they walked on.

The crowd parted briefly, giving them a view of the ocean past the plaza, black waves glittering under the moonlight. Elena spoke again, her voice quieter now. "It's strange. After everything we've been through… being here feels almost unreal."

They had just left the plaza when a faint sound tugged at Elena's ears. She slowed, frowning, and tugged lightly on Noel's sleeve.

"Did you hear that?"

Noel paused. Another note of music drifted from behind, but through it came the unmistakable sound of sobbing. Faint, fragile.

He followed Elena down a narrow side street, the glow of the lanterns dimming as they went. At the corner, they found her—a little girl, no more than six or seven, sitting on the cobblestones with tears streaking her cheeks.

Elena knelt immediately, her white dress pooling around her. "Hey… are you lost?"

The girl sniffled, rubbing her eyes. "I… I can't find my mama and papa."

Her gaze lifted, and the tears froze when she noticed Elena's pointed ears. Wide-eyed, she reached up with tiny fingers, brushing against them with awe. "You're… you're not human."

Elena blinked, then laughed softly, covering the girl's hand with her own. "I'm an elf. Haven't you seen one before?"

The girl shook her head quickly, mesmerized. "You're really pretty…"

Elena's cheeks colored faintly, though she kept her voice gentle. "Thank you. But let's worry about finding your parents, hm?"

Noel crouched nearby, his eyes sharp. "Where did you last see them?"

The girl hiccuped. "In the plaza… they were watching the lanterns, and then… and then I couldn't find them."

Noel stood, brushing off his hands. "Stay with her," he told Elena.

Before she could reply, his form blurred into shadows. "Shadow Step."

He vanished, the air pulling with a faint snap of displaced mana.

The girl gasped, clutching at Elena's arm. "He—he disappeared!"

Elena smiled, smoothing the girl's hair. "He'll be back soon. Don't worry."

True to her words, less than a minute later Noel reappeared from the darkness of the street, two adults following close behind, their faces pale with worry.

The woman gasped and rushed forward, scooping the girl into her arms. "Mira! Thank the stars!"

The father bowed low to Noel and Elena. "We thought we'd lost her. Thank you—thank you both."

The girl peeked over her mother's shoulder, still staring wide-eyed at Elena. "Bye, pretty elf lady!"

Elena laughed softly, giving a little wave. "Goodbye, Mira."

As the family disappeared into the crowd, Noel exhaled slowly, his gaze returning to Elena. "Well. That's sorted."

She looked up at him, warmth in her eyes. "You didn't even hesitate."

He shrugged. "No point wasting time when someone's crying."

Elena's smile lingered, the glow of the lanterns catching in her eyes.

Noel watched until the family disappeared back into the flow of the plaza. The street felt quieter now, the air softer with only the ocean breeze brushing past. He turned back to Elena, who still had that small, lingering smile on her lips.

"So," he said, slipping his hands into his pockets, "want to grab dinner now?"

Elena tilted her head, her golden eyes catching the lamplight. For a moment, she looked like she might tease him—but instead she nodded, a faint blush touching her ears. "Yes. I'd like that."

"Good," Noel replied simply, though the corner of his mouth tugged upward.

She stepped closer, looping her arm through his again, more certain this time. Together, they left the quiet side street behind, heading toward the glow of the district where the restaurants waited, the night of Nivaria unfolding ahead of them.

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