Nova crouched low on the clock tower's narrow balcony, belly flat against the cold stone ledge, elbows braced, ancient relic resting steady on the low parapet.
The rifle's faint silver-blue runes pulsing lazily along its length like a sleeping heartbeat. The scope was already pressed to his right eye, violet iris reflecting the magnified world below.
Sera lay curled beside his left elbow, tail flicking idly, green eyes half-closed in perfect trust. Every few seconds she let out a tiny, contented "mrrp" as if approving of his form.
Nova adjusted the scope dial a quarter-turn.
"Alright, princess," he muttered, voice barely above a breath. "Let's see if our smug friend is still buying flowers."
Through the lens he saw Ai walking by his side.
Nova's lips twitched.
"Look at him. Acting all cool and collected. Bet he thinks he's untouchable."
Sera meowed—short, skeptical.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. Don't get cocky. That's your line."
