The sound of waves lingered faintly through the half-open window, a quiet reminder of the sea just beyond the city walls. Noel stirred first, his eyes opening to the pale light of dawn slipping into the room.

The candles had burned out during the night, leaving only the soft glow of morning to chase away the shadows.

Elena was still asleep beside him, her head resting gently on his chest. Her platinum hair spilled across his skin in tangled strands, the amber pendant he had once given her half-hidden beneath the linen sheets. The steady rhythm of her breathing rose and fell, warm against him.

Noel stayed still, watching her.

'Never thought I'd end up here… not like this. First Elyra, now Elena. My life's gone so far from what it used to be. Back then, all I thought about was surviving one more day.'

His hand moved on its own, brushing a few strands of her hair away from her face. She murmured something in her sleep, curling slightly closer to him.

The sight tugged at something deep inside him, a mixture of calm and disbelief.

He looked back down at Elena, her delicate features relaxed in sleep, her lips faintly parted. She looked nothing like the proud elf who faced battle without hesitation. Right now, she was just… herself.

A small, rare smile touched his lips. He let his hand rest lightly against her back, careful not to wake her, and allowed himself the luxury of staying still.

The sun climbed higher, filling the room with warmth. And for a fleeting moment, the world outside—missions, houses, hunts, and enemies—didn't exist. There was only her, asleep in his arms, and the quiet certainty that he wanted to hold on to this peace for as long as it would last.

A soft murmur escaped Elena's lips before her body shifted against him. Her lashes fluttered once, twice, and then her golden eyes blinked open, hazy from sleep.

For a moment she looked confused, her gaze flicking to the pale morning light streaming through the window. Then her eyes settled on Noel—and realization washed over her.

Her cheeks colored instantly, and her ears twitched red against her hair. Still, she didn't move her head from his chest. Instead, she pressed her face lightly against him, as if hiding.

"Morning," Noel said quietly, his hand brushing once through her tangled hair.

Elena hesitated, then whispered back, "Morning." Her voice was soft, almost fragile, but there was a trace of happiness beneath it.

"You okay?" Noel asked.

She nodded slowly, her fingers drawing absent circles against his skin. "Better than I imagined."

Noel tilted his head, studying her. "Imagined?"

Her lips curved into a shy smile. "I was scared," she admitted, her words barely audible. "Scared I'd… mess everything up. Or that I wouldn't be enough for you."

Noel's brow furrowed, and he placed a hand gently under her chin, guiding her to meet his eyes. "Don't ever think that. You don't need to prove anything."

Elena's blush deepened, but her gaze stayed locked with his. "I know. But hearing you say it… helps."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, filled only by the sound of the waves outside and the steady rhythm of her breath.

Then Noel smirked faintly, trying to ease the weight of her words. "Besides… you were more than enough to keep me awake all night."

Elena gasped softly, swatting at his arm with embarrassment. "Noel!"

Her laughter slipped out right after, breaking the tension. She buried her face back against his chest, trying to hide her burning ears.

Noel chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.

The sheets rustled as Noel finally sat up, stretching his arms with a quiet sigh. Elena followed reluctantly, pulling the linen higher around herself as if it could shield her from the daylight spilling into the room. Her cheeks were still pink, but her smile was steadier now.

Noel glanced at her, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You know… there's still time for another round."

Elena's golden eyes went wide before narrowing in mock outrage. She grabbed the nearest pillow and tossed it weakly at him. "You're insufferable."

Noel caught it with ease, laughing under his breath. "Not denying it though."

Her ears flared red as she looked away, fumbling for her dress at the edge of the bed. "You'll have to wait. I need to go see my family this morning. My father… he wants to talk with me."

The way she said it—calm but with a trace of nerves—caught Noel's attention. He leaned back on his hands, watching her slip carefully into her dress. "Lord Thalanor, huh? Makes sense. He'd want to know how his daughter is doing before the Hunt."

Elena nodded, fastening the clasp of her pendant. "Yes, he worries too much sometimes, but I understand."

Noel hummed in acknowledgment, then ran a hand through his messy hair. "Now that you mention it, I imagine my father will want to see me too."

Her gaze softened as she turned back toward him. "Albrecht?"

"Yeah," Noel said flatly, standing to reach for his shirt. "That'll be… fun." His tone dripped with irony.

Elena stepped closer, placing a hand lightly on his arm. "Try to hold on, after the Hunt you'll be able to get away from them again."

Noel looked down at her, the smirk fading into something quieter. "I know."

But Noel's thoughts betrayed him. 'I wish I could get away, but now I'll be stuck with them for two months...'

For a moment they stood like that, her hand on his arm, his gaze steady on hers. The world outside—their families, the Hunt, the system's looming mission—felt distant.

Then Noel broke the silence with another faint grin. "Still, I'll take a rain check on that 'round.' Don't think you're escaping forever."

Elena groaned softly, covering her face with her hand. "Hopeless…"

But her laughter betrayed her.

The wooden steps creaked softly as Noel and Elena descended from the upper floor, their pace calm and unhurried. The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the inn, painting the lobby in shades of gold. Noel adjusted his collar, while Elena stayed close at his side, the amber pendant at her throat catching the light.

At the reception desk, two familiar figures stood together—Marcus and Clara.

Both froze as soon as their eyes met. Clara's expression softened quickly, but Marcus stiffened, clearly wishing he could be anywhere else.

Noel's smirk came instantly. "Well, well. Lady Nivaria and her boyfriend, in a hotel in their own territory, when there's a mansion waiting for them? Interesting choice."

Marcus shifted uncomfortably, then blurted out, "We came for the same thing you two did."

Noel raised a brow, his smirk widening. "Oh? And what exactly do you think we did?"

Elena's ears flushed bright red as she covered part of her face with her hand. Clara let out a small laugh, unable to help herself, while Marcus's face turned scarlet.

"I—That's not—" Marcus stammered, but his words tangled before he could recover.

The receptionist, doing her best to remain professional, ducked her head, though the twitch at the corner of her lips betrayed her amusement.

Noel leaned casually against the counter, voice light. "Relax. I'm just asking. But if you're this nervous…" He let the thought trail off deliberately.

Clara shook her head, still smiling, while Marcus groaned under his breath, muttering something Noel couldn't quite catch.

Patting Marcus on the shoulder as he walked past, Noel said, "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

Marcus buried his face in his hand as Clara tugged him gently toward the door.

Outside, Elena gave Noel a sharp pinch on the arm. "You didn't have to tease him like that," she scolded, though the corners of her lips curved despite her words.

Noel only chuckled, stretching his arms as the salty morning air washed over them. "Couldn't resist."

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