𝔖𝔬, ℑ 𝔊𝔬𝔱 ℜ𝔢𝔦𝔫𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔡

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 60

"Everything you can imagine is real. It's not wrong to dream."
~※~
Himeko

The festivities of Tasosir have begun and the Palace was crazily loud. Nasa itaas ako na floor at nakamasid lamang sa ibaba kung saan nagsasayawan ang mga Flamazian dancers. Look at those fire-play.

After observing and gazing for a moment, I withdraw and hid behind the curtains. Diretso akong lumabas sa may balkonahe, kung saan malayo sa ingay at piesta.

I'm currently not in the mood to socialize and Lisandrei knew I was a bit off. Kaya't pinapunta niya ako dito sa pinakasecluded na area para makalayo ako sa mga tao.

Clutching a glass of wine, I placed it on the balcony railing and lifted my gaze to the crimson-hued sky. Tanaw na tanaw ko mula rito ang buong syudad ng Tasosir. Ang palasyo ng Hari ang pinakamataas sa buoong lugar.  From this vantage point, I could survey the entirety of Tasosir, its vibrant lights and bustling inhabitants creating a lively tapestry below.

"Do you despise the crowd?" a voice suddenly broke the stillness, and my eyes widened as I noticed another figure on the balcony. It was none other than the Vice-Captain of the Black Wolves, a man known for his reclusive nature and disdain for social gatherings. I could tell he preferred to fade into the shadows and find solace in the quiet corners of the world.

He stood at a distance, his presence blending seamlessly with the surroundings, and I hadn't noticed him until he spoke. Sumasabay sa hangin ang kurtina kaya't ngayon ko lang siya napansin. He was good at hiding his presence. Kung hindi siya nagsalita kanina, hindi ko na rin sana siya mapapansin.

"Vice-Captain, I'm surprised to see you dressed for such an occasion," I commented, gesturing toward his attire with my free hand, the one that held the wine glass. We had eye contact before I returned my gaze outside.

As I scanned his form, I couldn't help but be surprised by how well he carried himself in Altherian attire, despite his usual uniform that covered his skin. Hindi ko inaakalang kaya niyang magsuot ng kasuotan kung saan exposed masyado ang balat niya.

His expression soured at my remark. "The King insisted on me wearing their... local clothing."

While he gazed out into the distance, I stole glances at him, capturing the image of him donning Flamazian garments in my mind. It was an unexpected sight, one that intrigued me.

However, why do we have to keep bumping into each other? At this moment, my impression of him was far from favorable. Baka isang minutong kasama ko lang siya rito mapapatay ko na siya.

"Vice-Captain, I had no idea you would be here..." I forced a smile in his direction. "Did you—"

"I'm not here because of you," he interrupted, his voice curt. His eyes wore down and he looked like he hadn't fallen asleep for days. Or maybe, he's just as workaholic as ever. "I just happen to be here...first."

Inunahan na niya ako. Hindi pa nga ako pinatapos alam na ang tanong.

As our eyes locked, a sharp pain throbbed in my chest, and my senses tingled with intensity. I instinctively clutched my head and gripped the railing, desperately trying to hold on to consciousness.

"Vice-Captain..." he called out, attempting to help me regain my composure.

"I'm fine," I dismissed with a wave of my hand, assuring him that I was alright.