Side chapter: New year

The streets were alive with energy. The air was crisp and tinged with the faint smell of roasted chestnuts, wafting from a vendor on the corner.

Lights twinkled in every window, and laughter echoed down the cobblestone streets. It was New Year's Eve, and for once, Carmen and I were spending it in the human realm. 

I tugged my coat tighter around me as we wove through the crowd. Carmen walked beside me, her gloved hand clasped in mine.

Even in her casual outfit—a black coat and a simple scarf wrapped elegantly around her neck—she looked effortlessly regal.

Heads turned as we passed, though whether it was because of her striking beauty or the air of confidence she carried, I couldn't say.

"This is chaotic," she muttered, glancing at the throng of people milling about in the square.