The terrace was quiet now. Only Alex and Viktor remained, standing side by side near the tall marble railing.
The city stretched out below them, glowing with countless lights under the beautiful night sky. A cool, gentle breeze brushed past, carrying the low, endless hum of traffic from the streets far below.
Alex broke the silence first. A teasing smile played at the corner of his lips as he glanced sideways at his companion.
"So… you do have someone after all," he said lightly. "I honestly thought you were just a stone-faced man when it came to this department. Never even a hint."
Viktor turned his head slowly. A genuine smile softened his usually calm, unreadable face.
"I met her during an expedition," he replied, voice low and touched with nostalgia. "It was a joint operation between two powerful families. I was just a junior back then... freshly promoted and still trying to prove myself."
Alex raised an eyebrow, genuine surprise flickering across his features.
