Late Night...
The sea palace lay draped in moonlight — silver tendrils of ocean gleam pouring through the open shell-like arches, as if the stars themselves had leaned closer to watch the royal tides of destiny unfold.
It was late — the kind of deep hour when all sounds hush and even the sea seems to hold its breath.
Kent sat on the coral-paved balcony of his assigned quarters, legs folded, gaze lost in the flicker of the sea lanterns swaying outside. JoJo lay coiled around a pearl-stemmed railing, his eyes closed, the drum on his back silent like a sleeping heart.
That peace didn't last long.
A soft knock echoed at the chamber door, hesitant but urgent.
Kent stood and opened it — and there stood Lady Sana, wrapped in a sea-veil robe that shimmered with moon patterns. Her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing slightly uneven, as if she had rushed through the corridors without stopping.
"Sana?" Kent blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here at this hour?"
