“You’re late.”Selene spoke without turning from the balcony railing. Thousands of lanterns floated above the courtyard below, their gold, silver, and violet lights drifting through the evening like stars freed from the sky.The first Unity Festival had reached its final hour.Music rose from the lower gardens, mingling with laughter, conversation, and the occasional cheer from the crowded food stalls. Citizens from Solaris, Lunaris, and Noctis moved through the same courtyard without separating themselves by color, rank, or origin.Kael stepped onto the balcony behind Alessia, shadows curling quietly around his boots.“She was working.”Selene glanced over her shoulder. “She is always working.”“Someone has to,” Alessia replied.She joined Selene at the railing and looked down at the celebration.The festival had required months of preparation. Every choice—from the placement of the banners to the order of the ceremonial performances—had been debated by representatives of all three E
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