Evening settled gently over Academy City, the sky fading into a soft gradient of amber and violet. Hovercars glided overhead in smooth, silent lanes, their under-lights painting streaks of blue and white across the streets below. A lively row of shops stretched along the avenue, warm lights spilling from glass windows, vendors calling out about grilled skewers, sugar-glazed pastries, glowing trinkets, and novelty gadgets that hummed faintly with mana.
Luis and Alicia walked side by side at an unhurried pace. Ivy was curled comfortably on Alicia's shoulder, her tail wrapped around her neck like a living scarf, eyes half-lidded and content. Luis stopped at a stall and bought some warm buns dusted with sugar. He handed one to Alicia, another to Ivy, and kept one for himself.
