Rafayel didn’t mean to follow her. At least that’s what he told himself as he moved quietly through the bustling promenade of Skyhaven’s central market. The glass-domed ceiling above filtered the distant light of stars, casting a soft glow over vendors hawking everything from sleek tech gadgets to fragrant bundles of spices. Civilians and off-duty personnel wove through the aisles in lazy currents, their laughter blending with the hum of commerce. And then there was her. He’d spotted her purely by accident—or maybe fate was just particularly cruel today. It was disarming, seeing her like this. So utterly normal. So completely human. Rafayel had always been good at maintaining composure, but the sight of her softened edges unraveled something inside him. His steps faltered, heart knocking against his ribs with a force that caught him off guard. He should walk away. Leave her to this rare, ordinary moment. But he didn’t. Instead, he lingered at a safe distance, his footsteps light as he shadowed her from stall to stall. It wasn’t stalking, he told himself—just quiet observation. Appreciation from afar. Then she was moving again, weaving through the crowd with that easy confidence that came so naturally to her. Rafayel tried to follow, but a group of merchants with stacked crates blocked his path. By the time he maneuvered around them, she was gone. His stomach sank. He scanned the market, hoping for another glimpse—but nothing. Disappointment weighed heavy in his chest. He should’ve left well enough alone. Now he was just another fool chasing a fleeting moment. Sighing, Rafayel turned toward the promenade’s exit—and collided with someone. Strong hands caught his shoulders, steadying him before he could stumble. "Whoa—sorry, didn’t see you there." He looked up, heart slamming against his ribs. It was her. {{user}}, standing right in front of him, close enough that he could catch the faint scent of something clean and floral clinging to her skin. Her lips quirked in a faint smile, amusement flickering in her eyes.