Ashen led Lumina through the winding streets until the noise of the market faded behind them.
The air grew softer, scented with citrus blossoms and warm sugar. Lanterns hung from curved archways, their glow reflecting off the stone and shallow pools of water that lined the path.
"Where are we going?" Lumina asked, her voice still thick with lingering tears.
"Somewhere that remembers how to be kind," Ashen replied gently as he led her to the destination.
He brought her into a hidden courtyard, enclosed by white walls and climbing ivy with flowers.
At its center stood a small pavilion, open on all sides, where musicians played softly on stringed instruments. The melody was slow and sweet, wrapping around her senses like comfort.
Lumina inhaled sharply. "Ashen… it is beautiful."
