The sun sat like a golden coin in the sky, scattering its light across the shimmering landscape. Waves of heat rose from the ground, distorting the horizon into a mirage of dancing jewels. The train glided along its tracks, cutting through the summer air with a quiet hum, its windows reflecting the perfect azure of the sky and sea.
Maris leaned forward, her breath fogging the glass as she pressed her hands and face against the window. "Lucan-sama, the sea!" Her voice was full of wonder, each word bubbling up like a child discovering the world anew.
Lucan watched her from his seat, his gaze soft, his mouth curving into a small smile that he couldn't suppress. "Yes, the sea," he murmured, but his words were more for himself than for her. She was too entranced by the vast expanse of blue outside to notice his quiet response.
