Noel remained seated on the stone floor of the lookout, still trying to process what he had just heard. The evening breeze cooled his face but didn't quite ease the quick thudding in his chest. Charlotte had already stood up, looking down at him with a gentle smile—half amused, half affectionate.
"So… shall we go where you wanted to go?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Noel looked away, clearing his throat. "Yeah. Let's go."
Charlotte turned and walked toward the platform while he got up a bit awkwardly, brushing off his pants. They began their descent in silence. The platform moved smoothly, but to Noel, it felt like the whole world was moving faster than usual.
Charlotte didn't stop watching him. Her hazel eyes gleamed under the soft glow of Valon's lights, as if trying to read his thoughts.
Noel, on the other hand, avoided her gaze entirely. He focused on anything else—the rooftops, the support rails of the lift, even a lone night bird soaring overhead. His mind raced.
