The sun dipped below the walls of the academy, leaving the sky streaked with orange and purple. The festival lights began to glow, thousands of small flames and enchanted bulbs strung between booths and trees. The noise of the crowds softened as families and cadets drifted toward the food stalls and the dance floor. But Nero and Khione walked in the opposite direction, away from the square, toward the lake.
The lake was dark, its surface still, reflecting the first stars. A small dock jutted into the water, and tied to it were rowboats, their wooden sides worn smooth by years of use. Nero untied one and helped Khione step in. The boat rocked gently as he took the oars and pushed off. The dock receded, the lights of the festival shrinking to a warm glow behind them.
