The halls of the palace were quiet, bathed in the dim glow of the crystalline lamps. Riah walked carefully, Felicia cradled in her arms — the girl's breathing steady but exhausted, her body limp from the weight of training. Her ember powers had pushed her to her limits.
Riah's footsteps echoed faintly against the marble floors until a voice pulled her from her focus.
Kazimir, leaning casually against the wall ahead, gazed at her with those violet-blue eyes that always seemed to hold galaxies."Ah… so that's where you've been. How'd it go with her?"
Riah adjusted her grip on Felicia, her expression soft but tired."Good. She still has a ways to go, but… she's getting the hang of it."
Kazimir nodded, faint pride flashing in his gaze."That's great to hear. Tyrone and Lihanna aren't back yet, but it's good you're getting started with Felicia. She's grown a lot — physically, mentally."
Riah's lips curved faintly, her eyes warming."And I'm proud of her for that." She glanced down at Felicia, then back at Kazimir. "Wait here. I'll be back."
She slipped past him, carrying Felicia to her quarters. The girl stirred faintly, her lashes fluttering before falling still again. Riah laid her gently on the bed, pulling the sheets over her. She lingered, brushing strands of hair from Felicia's face, her voice barely above a whisper."Good job."
Closing the door softly, Riah returned to the hall. Kazimir turned at the sound of her steps."You're back," he said, straightening.
Without pausing, Riah walked past him. "Follow me."
Kazimir blinked. "Hmm? Right now—"
"Just shut up and come." Her tone carried no room for protest.
Outside, guards parted to either side, standing tall as the emperor and empress passed between them. A sleek, obsidian-lined vehicle awaited. An attendant bowed, opening the door, and the two stepped inside.
The ride into the city was silent at first. Through the windows, the night stretched endless, painted with the shimmering dance of the aurora borealis and the steady glow of the purple moon. The city of Vrasnia sprawled beneath it like a jewel of glass and silver, its futuristic towers breathing with gentle pulses of light.
Riah's eyes, bright red and glinting beneath the moonlight, shifted toward Kazimir. She studied him quietly. His gaze was distant at first, lost in thought — but then it met hers, violet-blue catching red in a moment that seemed suspended in time.
Kazimir tilted his head. "What's up? Why are you looking at me like that? Something on your mind?"
Riah's lips parted, but she didn't look away."No. I just… was looking at your eyes."
Her voice softened, tinged with honesty."Under this moon, they're more beautiful than the night on Earth."
Kazimir blinked, caught off guard, and for once, his composure cracked into a boyish smile."You think so? …Thank you."
The vehicle stopped. The attendant opened the door, and they stepped out.
The people of Vrasnia noticed immediately. Whispers spread like wind: "The Emperor… the Empress…" Citizens bowed their heads respectfully, stepping aside as the two walked together down the heart of the city. The night buzzed softly with life — shops aglow, faint music drifting through the air.
A Vrasnian approached, timidly, holding a device."Emperor, Empress… would you honor us with a photo?"
Riah's smile was warm, gracious. "Of course." Kazimir nodded.
They stood together, the alien lights framing them in brilliance. The photo was taken — and the citizen left, eyes wide in reverence.
Riah turned to Kazimir, her gaze lingering on his face again. His eyes seemed to glow even brighter here, reflecting the stars, the aurora, the violet of the city. For the first time in a long time, she saw light in him — not just power, but something resonant, something alive.
They continued their walk in silence, the city breathing around them.
"I thought it would be emptier at this hour," Riah murmured, breaking the quiet. "But it seems some people linger late."
Kazimir smirked. "So you wanted to explore when it wasn't crowded?"
"Yes. If it's crowded, we'd draw too much attention. I don't want that tonight."
"I get it," he replied softly.
Riah exhaled, her lips curving in a small, satisfied smile. She glanced once more at the glowing skyline. "Well… let's head back. I've had enough for tonight. There's something I need to ask you — but I'd rather do that at home."
Kazimir raised a brow, but simply nodded. "Alright. We'll talk then."
Another vehicle pulled up. They entered together, the city lights fading behind them as the car hummed back toward the palace.
The purple moon still hung above, casting its glow on them both — as if the night itself had chosen to bless their silence.