The low firelight flickered across the guest suite, casting soft shadows that danced lazily along the carved stone walls. The couch creaked gently beneath them as Mikhailis and Elowen sat wrapped in a thick blanket, their legs tangled, the warmth from the fire a cozy shield against the cool night air still clinging to their skin after their rooftop escape.
Elowen pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders, the corners of her lips twitching. "You looked absolutely ridiculous in that vest. I'm fairly certain the bread vendor thought you were a chimney sweep on holiday."
"Rude," Mikhailis huffed, placing a dramatic hand to his chest. "I'll have you know, that vest has survived two chemical burns and a minor reality collapse. It's practically vintage."
She raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide her grin. "Which only makes it more ridiculous."
