*Interlude: Snowy Love (XIII)*

The snowflakes drifted lazily around them, caught in the silver glow of the lanterns.

Their breaths mingled in the cold night air, a slow, intoxicating warmth growing between them.

Eleonora's light blue eyes glowed like liquid sapphire, her lips slightly parted, her body pressing just a little closer against Aestrea's.

His fingers curled against the fabric of her dress, feeling the soft, silky material under his hands.

He could feel the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the warmth of her breath against his lips.

Her lashes lowered, and she tilted her head just slightly—her body molding perfectly against his.

The world around them seemed to hold its breath.

The music had ended, but their rhythm hadn't stopped.

The sound of their quiet breaths, the soft rustling of fabric, and the faint crunch of snow beneath their feet became the only things that existed.

Then, she moved.

Slowly.