a lot of people will look at you
Aria
They cut through a cross-section of Haulani’s streets, the dog’s barking echoing between the alleys and storefronts, and then suddenly—they were gone. He skidded to a stop, scanning left and right.
“Damn dog.. Aria!” The name tore out of him sharper than he meant. No answer but startled passersby, who were of little help.
He turned, searching every shadowed gap between stalls and buildings. It hadn’t been more than a few seconds—how in the world had he lost them already?
Movement and the sound of footsteps behind him caught his attention. A stream of blonde hair and flowing skirts. When he turned fully to see who it was, disbelief cut through the burst of adrenaline. “Flora?” His voice hitched somewhere between surprise and exasperation. The Queen of Torchline, of all people, was chasing after him?
He didn’t have the breath to question it. He only let it stop him for a second, then took a few long strides forward. But he did cast a worried look over his shoulder at her as he asked, “Did you see which way they went?”
Damien
but only a few will see you
