A TEASE OF LOVE

As the first golden strands of dawn painted the rooftops of Lumisgrave with a warm amber glow, the quiet sound of footsteps echoed on the stone-paved path near the Upper District. Arslan and Nirela walked side by side, their hands brushing, fingers entwined in quiet comfort. The air was crisp and carried the scent of dew-kissed blossoms. Birds chirped from the garden hedges, greeting the morning with playful melodies.

Nirela smiled, her eyes still soft from sleep, a hint of rose tinting her cheeks. "That was... a peaceful night," she whispered.

Arslan nodded with a subtle grin. "She likes you, you know. My mother. She really does."

"She told me stories about you I never imagined," Nirela laughed softly. "The quiet boy who barely spoke to anyone... now holding the fate of cities."

Arslan chuckled. "She exaggerates. A little."

As they reached the Mythic Base, a few voices echoed from the courtyard. The scent of hot bread, spiced tea, and fresh berries wafted through the air. The morning breakfast was already set, and the rest of the Mythics were gathered around the long wooden table, chatting and munching happily.

Tharion spotted them first. "Well, well... the lost couple returns!"

Yuna leaned sideways to get a better look, grinning mischievously. "Where were you two? Sun's up already. We almost sent a search party."

Orien raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess... battle training? Or was it... emotional bonding combat?"

Seris sipped her tea dramatically. "I sense the aura of romance lingering in the air... or maybe it's just that jasmine perfume, Nirela?"

Nirela's eyes widened playfully, and she covered her face with her hand. "You all are impossible."

Arslan smirked, unbothered, as he and Nirela took their seats. "We were with my mother. She invited Nirela for dinner."

Zhalya leaned closer, eyes gleaming. "Dinner, huh? Overnight dinner? At your mom's house? Hmm... sounds serious."

Milo whistled low. "Next thing we know, we'll be attending a wedding in the Royal Capital."

Nirela tried to hide her smile behind her cup. Arslan cleared his throat. "You all could try chewing more and talking less."

Ravik laughed, his stone-armored hand lightly tapping the table. "Brother, you can bend shadows and crush beasts, but you can't bend out of teasing. Accept your fate."

Elyra added with a mock-sulky tone, "We were starting to think you eloped and left us here with the chores."

The group erupted in laughter, the atmosphere light and carefree. Plates were passed around. Arslan spooned some honey into his tea, while Nirela picked a slice of warm flatbread and offered a piece to him. Their subtle gestures didn't go unnoticed.

Vaelith grinned. "Look at them. Perfectly in sync. Like they've been married for ten years already."

Maelis leaned her elbow on the table. "To think just days ago, Arslan was growling through every conversation. Now look at him. Smiling. Sharing food. Human emotions unlocked."

Arslan rolled his eyes, but even he couldn't hide the trace of color rising to his cheeks. "Don't you all have training later? Maybe go prepare instead of giving relationship commentary."

Tarric grinned. "Not until you tell us one romantic line you said last night. Come on. Just one."

Arslan glanced at Nirela, who was now biting her lip to suppress a laugh.

"Fine," he said with a smirk. "I said she looked cute with flour on her nose."

Nirela burst out laughing, as did the rest.

"That's it?" Kyren said, pretending to be scandalized. "That's your idea of romance?"

"Better than your last love letter," Arslan shot back. "The one where you compared her eyes to abyssal crystals and she thought you were cursing her."

Even Kar'Thael's chuckle echoed in Arslan's mind. "I like them. They make you human."

As the breakfast continued, the Mythics shared jokes, swapped stories of childhood, and even debated which district had the best dumplings. Nirela leaned her head on Arslan's shoulder for a moment. He didn't flinch, nor did he pull away.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He looked down at her. "For what?"

"For not shutting people out anymore. For letting me in."

He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "You never knocked. You just came in."

The courtyard remained lively as the morning sun climbed higher, casting long golden beams over the Mythic Base. The laughter, the warmth, the connection between them all felt like a fragile peace amidst an uncertain world. But in that moment, it was enough.

And somewhere in his heart, Arslan hoped this warmth would last.

Even if the world burned tomorrow.