The cobblestone streets of Iron Hearth began to empty as Raphael and Elodie walked away from the gates of Seruni Academy.
The late afternoon sun hung low in the western horizon, painting the northern sky in breathtaking gradients of purplish-orange. A gentle breeze blew, tossing the ends of Elodie's hair and carrying the city's distinct scent—a blend of cold earth, pine, and the faint smoke from distant factory chimneys.
They had been walking side-by-side for about ten minutes when Raphael finally broke the comfortable silence.
"Are you absolutely sure you don't want to stop by my place first?"
Elodie let out a long sigh. Haaah. "Raphael..."
"I'm serious, El. The castle chefs can whip up something infinitely better than our school cafeteria," Raphael coaxed gently, glancing at the girl beside him. "Warm beef rendang, steaming white rice, fresh tamarind soup, shrimp paste sambal, and freshly fried prawn crackers..."
