The van glided smoothly through the streets of the imperial capital as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the towering buildings. Pyris sat in the back, his mind buzzing with the events of the day as he and Song, his loyal bodyguard, made their rounds.
First, they dropped off Aurelia and Alera at the Obsidian family estate. The two girls bid Pyris a casual farewell, though Alera gave him a knowing glance, her sharp eyes always catching the small details. She could sense the tension in him, the energy coiling just beneath his calm demeanor. But for now, she said nothing.
The next stop was Alexa's hotel. Song pulled up in front of the luxurious building, its towering structure glinting under the fading light. Pyris stepped out of the car, walking her to the entrance.
