"It's not funny" Lucius groaned.
"I know." Alaric's face softened slightly. "But once we're out of danger—once the heat dies down—I promise, we'll dive into it full force. We'll trace every lead, every whisper. We'll find others like us."
Lucius was quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he muttered, "You always did like making promises you can't keep."
Alaric smirked faintly. "I'm not sure there's any I haven't kept and that's why you love me."
Lucius snorted despite himself.
"In the meantime," Alaric continued, resting a hand on Lucius's shoulder, "we could try every possible fun. We've earned it. Just a little."
Lucius gave him a sharp look.
"I don't think—"
"Don't think," Alaric cut him off gently. "Just… live. If only for today."
Lucius's eyes flicked toward the bustling plaza where Salviana and Jean were laughing over a pair of ridiculous feathered hats.
He let out a sigh. "Fine. One more day of pretending. But after that…"
