The walk home was slower than the walk out. Not because any of them were in a hurry, but because none of them were.
The market district gradually gave way to quieter residential streets, the sounds of commerce fading into the softer rhythm of evening life. Lanterns flickered to life one by one, warm light spilling across stone paths and iron railings. The sky deepened from gold into a mellow indigo, the first stars beginning to prick through like shy witnesses.
Gwen dragged her feet on purpose and Albedo noticed immediately.
"You're stalling," he said mildly.
She hugged the wooden wolf to her chest. "No I'm not."
"You are."
She pouted. "I just don't want today to end."
That hit harder than any blow ever could. Albedo slowed further, matching her pace exactly. "Today doesn't end just because the sun goes down."
She glanced up at him, searching his face. "Promise?"
He smiled, gentle and sure, "Promise."
