The night remained beautifully still around them.
The gardens of the estate stretched endlessly beneath a blanket of shimmering stars while silver moonlight poured across the stone pathways, illuminating every flowerbed and every ancient tree standing silently in the cool breeze. Somewhere in the distance, the gentle murmur of flowing water blended with the quiet chirping of insects, creating a peaceful melody that seemed completely detached from the burdens weighing upon their hearts.
Neither of them moved.
Aurelia stood before Luca, her violet eyes still glistening faintly while his fingers rested gently against her lips, preventing another word of self-blame from escaping.
The silence between them lingered.
Not awkwardly.
Not uncertainly.
It was simply the silence of two hearts trying to understand one another.
After a few moments, Luca slowly lowered his hand.
His crimson eyes never left hers.
There was no trace of teasing within them.
No playful smile.
Only warmth.
