I stepped out of the building after finishing my shift. The weather had turned colder, and the sharp wind struck me the moment I was outside.
The hood pulled over my head did little to protect me; the chill slipped easily through the gaps in my layers.
I hugged myself tightly, rubbing my arms in a futile attempt to warm up. When I exhaled, a cloud of white steam bloomed into the night air before fading. Taking a steadying breath, I started down the road toward home.
Not far ahead was the convenience store I often stopped at. My eyes caught on a figure seated on one of the outdoor chairs, a long black coat draped over her shoulders.
Elara.
It had been a while since she left the bar. Was she really still sitting out here?
Surprised, I instinctively slowed and turned, half tempted to head back and avoid her altogether, but—
"Lyra."
My name cut cleanly through the air. My heart lurched, pounding hard against my ribs.
