Ahcehera bid her quiet farewells to the gala without attracting much attention. The weight of the day, of memories she could no longer place, and the quiet ache behind her smile, tugged her away from the blinding lights and soft music.
As she slipped past the threshold of the grand hall and out into the cooler air of the night, her heels echoed lightly on the stone path leading toward the outer courtyard. Eros had remained inside, probably swept up by conversations or performances, and Liliana was still nestled safely under the watchful eyes of her grandparents.
Nothing was stopping her from heading straight home, nothing at all, but her feet slowed as she reached the familiar crossroad. The stars glittered above like scattered diamonds across velvet, and a breeze stirred her hair softly.
