The city of Elaris had a particular quality in the late morning, the market streets full but not yet crowded, the air carrying the smell of fresh bread and something floral from the flower stalls near the main square.
The sun was warm without being heavy, and the kind of light that made everything look slightly more pleasant than it probably was settled over the cobblestones in an even, generous layer.
Azael walked with his hands in his pockets and no particular destination in mind.
Two days.
Two days left in this city before everything shifted again. The academy, new faces, new structure, a completely different rhythm of life. He wasn't anxious about it exactly. More aware of it. The way you're aware of a change in weather before it arrives.
