It was late when a sharp knock pulled me from sleep. I sat up, surprised to find that the pain in my back had faded — perhaps rest had done its work. I rose and opened the door. Ash stood there. He wore a black shirt with a deep neckline, revealing the tattoos curling from his neck down to his arms — maybe even across his back. A brown belt held several daggers at his waist. My gaze lingered a moment too long before I quickly turned away, embarrassed.
"You know the autumn festival is this week," he said, his voice low and rough. "I thought… maybe you'd like to come? The others already left for the city."
The autumn festival was celebrated across all kingdoms at the same time — a welcome for the coming winter.
"Sure. Just give me a minute."
I closed the door and hurried to the wardrobe. It was filled with beautiful dresses, every color shimmering under the lamplight. My hand brushed over silks and lace until it stopped on a deep golden gown — floor-length, off-shoulder, with silver embroidery tracing the neckline. I slipped into it and turned to the mirror. It fit perfectly, hiding the bandages across my back and leaving space for my wings. The color made my hazel eyes and chestnut hair glow.
When I stepped back out, Ash's expression froze in surprise. His sea-blue eyes swept over me from head to toe before meeting mine.
"That dress looks… good on you," he said, as if the words caught on his tongue.
"Thanks. Let's go."
The city square was alive with music and laughter. In the center, a great fire blazed, and elves danced around it to a lively tune. Ash took my hand to keep me from getting lost in the crowd — his palm was warm and rough, his grip firm yet gentle. We wandered for a while before realizing we'd never find the others, so we sat down near the edge of the square, beside a small tavern.
A girl appeared a few moments later with two mugs and set them before us.
"What's this?" I asked, curious.
"Mead. Local brew. You should try it," she said with a quick smile before disappearing inside.
The first sip sent a sweet, dizzy warmth through me. It was rich and golden, and before we knew it, three mugs had disappeared between us. Then, from somewhere in the square, a familiar song began to play:
In the forest's verdant hush so deep,
Where moonlight dances, shadows creep…
My mother used to sing it when I was a child. I knew every word by heart. Nostalgia washed over me so suddenly that I almost forgot where I was.
"Want to dance?" Ash asked, his voice slightly slurred by the mead.
"Why not?" I laughed, and he pulled me into the crowd.
I hadn't danced in years — not since those old palace balls with Lia. But Ash surprised me. He wasn't a bad dancer. One hand held mine, the other rested at my waist. He led with confidence, yet let me follow in my own rhythm. Soon, we were singing along with the others:
He treads on leaves in silent grace…
When the final verse ended, the crowd cheered, and we stopped, breathless. Sweat glistened on Ash's neck, running down to his chest.
A small hill rose at the edge of the square, overlooking the city lights.
"Want to climb up there and rest for a bit?" I asked between breaths.
He nodded. We climbed and sat side by side. From there, the entire city shimmered below us. It felt… peaceful. Maybe too peaceful.
"So," I began, emboldened by the mead, "why did you become a thief?"
Ash's expression darkened.
"My parents died when I was little," he said quietly. "I ended up on the streets. I stole to survive. A thieves' guild took me in — taught me everything I needed to know."
"I'm sorry," I murmured. "I didn't know you'd been through that."
He gave a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes. "That's why I wanted to help you. I know what it's like to lose everything."
Before I could stop myself, I reached out and touched his face. His skin was warm beneath my fingers. He didn't pull away — instead, he placed his hand gently over mine. His eyes softened, and for a heartbeat, I forgot how to breathe.
He was… perfect. The way his eyes caught the firelight, the faint stubble on his jaw, the shape of his mouth—
What was I doing? I barely knew him. And soon he'd be gone, off to wherever thieves disappear to. Maybe I'd never see him again.
I pulled my hand back, stood abruptly, and walked away down the hill — as if distance could undo whatever had just begun between us.