The city of Othre shimmered below as Apollo and Elina stood atop one of the highest floating terraces, a secluded garden hidden from the bustling streets below. A gentle glow from enchanted lanterns bathed the area in golden light, while vines of moon lilies swayed in the evening breeze. The sky above was clear, stars stretching endlessly across the heavens, and a soft melody played from enchanted chimes, resonating through the air.
Elina took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. "I can't believe you found a place like this."
Apollo, standing beside her with his hands in his pockets, smirked. "I didn't find it. I made it."
She turned to face him, eyes wide. "You made this?"
He shrugged, as if it were nothing. "Well, I might have had some help, but yes. I wanted a place where we could actually have a moment away from everything."
Elina studied him for a moment before shaking her head with a smile. "You really don't do things halfway, do you?"
Apollo chuckled, stepping closer. "Not when it comes to you."
For a second, Elina felt the warmth of his presence, a mix of calm confidence and something deeper—something unspoken yet undeniable. She looked up at him, her usual sharp wit softening in the glow of the lanterns.
Apollo gestured toward the center of the terrace, where a small round table was set with food—her favorites, as always. The bottle of blueberry nectar wine shimmered faintly, its enchantment keeping it perfectly chilled.
Elina arched an eyebrow. "So, are you planning to impress me all night?"
Apollo grinned. "That depends. Is it working?"
She laughed, shaking her head as she took a seat. "Maybe a little."
They ate, the conversation flowing effortlessly—jokes, teasing, and moments of comfortable silence where nothing needed to be said. The night breeze carried the scent of flowers, mingling with the aroma of their meal.
At one point, Apollo leaned back in his chair, watching her. "You know, I think this is the first time I've seen you relax in weeks."
Elina sighed, setting her glass down. "I guess I've been a little... preoccupied."
He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against hers. "Then let tonight be about us. No worries, no responsibilities—just you and me."
Elina hesitated for a moment before intertwining her fingers with his. "You make it sound so easy."
Apollo smirked. "With you? It is."
The words sent a flutter through her chest, though she wouldn't admit it. Instead, she stood up, still holding his hand.
"Come on," she said, pulling him toward the open balcony.
Apollo raised an eyebrow. "Are we about to do something reckless?"
Elina laughed. "Not everything I do is reckless."
She guided him to the edge, where the floating terrace overlooked the entire city. Below them, thousands of lights flickered like stars on the ground, mirroring the ones above.
Then, with a flick of her wrist, she conjured a small floating orb of golden light, letting it drift between them. It expanded, splitting into smaller orbs that danced through the air, creating an illusion of falling stars.
Apollo chuckled. "Showing off now?"
Elina smirked. "Just evening the score."
Apollo watched as the glowing lights reflected in her eyes, and for a moment, the world beyond them faded away. Then, before she could react, he gently pulled her closer.
"One more thing," he murmured.
Before she could ask, Apollo raised his free hand. The wind shifted, carrying a soft hum of magic as the stars above them seemed to brighten, forming a subtle but undeniable pattern—a constellation shaped like a pair of intertwined wings.
Elina's breath hitched. "You... made a constellation?"
Apollo shrugged, smirking. "Just for tonight. It'll fade by morning, but I figured you'd like it."
She stared at him, something unreadable in her expression, before shaking her head with a chuckle. "Damn it, Apollo."
He grinned. "What?"
Elina sighed, stepping even closer, until they were only inches apart. "You're making it really hard not to fall for you."
Apollo's smirk softened. "Good. Because I'm already gone for you."
And as the stars above and below them shimmered in perfect harmony, Elina leaned in, pressing her lips softly against his.
For once, she let herself stop thinking—stop analyzing—and just feel.