The street they walked down was narrow and quiet, buildings leaning close enough to cast long shadows across the stone. Nothing moved. No pressure pressed against Noel's senses, no low hum of hostile mana lurking beneath the surface. Whatever conflict had happened here was already over, settled decisively.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Charlotte walked a step ahead, hands folded behind her back, her pace steady but not rushed. Noel watched her from the side, noting the tension she hadn't fully let go of yet. It wasn't fear anymore. More like something she'd carried for too long and hadn't put down.
"I saw how you left him," Noel said at last. His tone was even, careful not to push. "You didn't hurt him."
Charlotte slowed slightly but didn't stop.
"But I want to know what happened," he added.
She exhaled, fingers curling briefly before relaxing again.
