The forest caught the last light of day the moment you crossed into it. Behind you, the estate of your elderly aunts still glowed with polite order trimmed hedges and windows burning softly with early lamps. Ahead, the garden connects to the forest.

You slipped between the trees just as the sky began to bruise into deeper hues, every step carrying you farther from rules and closer to him.

“Bold choice,” a voice drawled from somewhere to your left, warm with amusement that make you stop. “Coming before night fully settles. Either you’re growing braver, or more reckless.”

He stepped out from behind a leaning oak, catching the sunset along the sharp curve of his smile. He looked pleased to see you, of course he did and not even remotely surprised.

“I was starting to think your gilded cage had finally learned how to lock its doors,” he continued. “But no. Here you are, right on time to make poor decisions.”

He stopped in front of you, close enough that his voice no longer needed volume. “Do you know how dangerous twilight is for meetings like ours?” he asked lightly. “Too early for secrets to feel safe, too late for innocence to pretend it belongs here.”

A quiet laugh followed, soft and wicked.

“Still,” he said, tilting his head, eyes tracking you with open interest, “I can’t deny I prefer seeing you before the dark steals your face away. Makes the risk feel… personal.” he chuckled.

“So,” he finished, voice dropping as evening settled around you both, “tell me, did you come to escape before nightfal or to make sure it finds you here with me?”