We headed out together just after the sun had fully committed to the sky.
Not rushed. Not sneaking. Just… walking.
The Aetherium's lift hummed softly as it carried us downward, a long, smooth descent from the upper floors to the main level. The walls of the lift were polished metal, reflecting us faintly—two figures standing close enough that our shoulders brushed every now and then.
Our hands were already linked.
Not in a dramatic way. Not some grand declaration. Just fingers interlaced naturally, like that was where they'd always belonged and only now remembered it.
I was painfully aware of it.
Every small movement sent a spark up my arm. Every time her thumb shifted against mine, my thoughts scattered like startled birds.
Belle stood beside me, blindfold in place—black silk tied neatly at the back of her head. It felt strange, knowing she didn't need it anymore. Stranger still that she chose to wear it anyway.
Our decision.
For now.
