The path to the hill was steep and worn, lit only by scattered lanterns and the soft glow of the moon. Kael walked beside Seren, noticing the ease in her step, as if the night itself welcomed her.

“How many Moondrifts have you watched from here?” he asked, voice low.

Seren paused, looking up to the sky. “More than I can count,” she said softly. Her gaze stayed fixed on the blooming lunar flowers. “But not always with such company.”

Kael chuckled, nerves blooming. “Neither have I.”

Her laughter was a melody that filled the spaces between the stars. “Then tonight is special.”

They reached the crest and stood among the flowers that flickered faintly—a sea of silver flames against the night. Seren breathed in deeply, the scent of earth and magic mingled.

Kael followed her gaze upward. The moon hung low and full, radiating a warmth that pressed gently against his skin. It was as if the moon itself held its breath.

Seren looked at him, eyes reflecting centuries of untold stories. “I remember every time this night has come,” she said quietly. “Every moment we shared, every beginning and ending.”

Kael’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? I’m here for the first time.”

“No,” she replied, voice trembling like the last light of dusk. “You’ve been here many times before. With me.”

He reached for her hand, and the warmth of her touch sparked something deep inside.

For Kael, it was a first date filled with wonder. For Seren, a bittersweet anniversary that would rewrite the fate of the moon itself.