Edward and Arthur exchanged a quick glance as they followed Elarien through the narrow, glowing streets. Neither spoke a word. There was a stillness in the air—a kind of living quiet that felt different from the silence of human cities.
The air was cool, but not cold. A soft breeze brushed through the city, carrying with it the scent of leaves and earth. Lanterns hung from arching branches, glowing with faint blue light, illuminating paths that twisted between living trees and stone bridges.
The walk to the palace took longer than Edward expected, but the streets were nearly empty. No voices echoed through the night, no drunken laughter, no distant footsteps. Only the faint hum of magic which seemed to breathe through the entire city.
"It's a nice change, isn't it?" Arthur said, his tone light.
"It is," Edward admitted, his gaze wandering over the rooftops woven into the forest canopy.
