The abandoned shrine stood wrapped in quiet stillness, the soft rustling of dry grass whispering faintly against the cracked stone as the evening air grew cooler. The fading sunlight filtered weakly through the broken structure, casting uneven shadows that stretched along the worn floor, giving the place an eerie sense of forgotten sanctity.
Luca did not hesitate.
Maintaining the illusion was now the only choice left.
His hand remained firmly around Seraphina's waist as he continued the kiss, ensuring that any observer arriving upon the scene would see nothing more than two travelers caught in a private moment, careless of their surroundings.
The faint sound of approaching footsteps grew clearer as two… then three figures emerged from behind the outer stone wall of the shrine, their silhouettes appearing gradually against the dimming light.
The men paused when they noticed the scene before them.
For a brief moment, silence lingered.
Then one of them let out a low chuckle.
