Charles watched Nora step out of Lila's shop with two black lanterns in her hands, each with a sturdy design that looked like it could survive a fall.
The sun had almost fully set, and the village streets were lit by streetlights casting long shadows over the dirt.
The cries of children had faded to a distant murmur, but the air still carried the scent of wood and freshly baked bread.
Nora walked with determined steps, holding the lanterns like trophies, and Charles couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, feigning confusion.
"What're those lanterns for?" he asked, his tone trying to sound casual but tinged with a hint of mockery. "Thought you were a natural-born slacker."
Nora stopped dead in her tracks, turning to look at him with narrowed eyes.
Her gray eyes glinted under the streetlights, and for a moment, she just stared at him in silence.
