of moonlit lane. Alia nestled into the soft leather seat, her hand still woven with his, pulse humming in her ears. She tried to memorize

we going?

lied cryptically. "And somewhere private en

lane, lanterns glowed like distant fireflies, illuminating a hidden lakeside deck. A single pavilion rose over the water-white wo

oftly. "Jamal

d, and guided her toward the deck. The boards underfoot creaked in gentle welcome as ripple

ugh lantern glow. Jamal pulled out Alia's chair, then took his own. A waiter emerged from behind a gauzy curtain, setting down c

her glass, marveling at the setti

ed near the lake during a navigation drill

of the tangy drink, the cool rush

childhood dream of owning a tiny apothecary that offered free consultations, Jamal's firs

on glazed in citrus, wild‑rice pilaf garnished with fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables tossed

tion," he sai

slipped into a slow, lilting waltz. Jamal

t her low heels. "I'm not exact

ad, smile gentl

d her fingertips to his shoulder. They swayed in time to the melody, the lanterns spinning halos of gold around them. T

omething unspoken: trust. Desire. A

, Jamal whispered in her

no

I'll hold you thr

g her cheek against his chest. The violinist drew

rching her gaze. "Habibti,

iss deepened, tasting of honeyed plantain and moonlit water. She felt his hand at

wam. "I never thought I coul

r temple. "You deserve ev

ded her to a loveseat draped in cozy blankets at the deck's edge. They sat clos

ead on his shoulder; he laced their fingers together, thumb tracing th

al murmured, "Tell me som

a galaxy. I picture each red blood cell turning into a star, and I im

You create galaxies to survive.

. She turned, meeting his gaze un

n I've ever feared the battlefield." He paused, voice husky. "But I

unbroken," she whispered, echoi

s chill deepened. Jamal retrieved a thermos of spiced cocoa from a cooler, pouring two cups. They sipped, t

parks of emerald floating among shadows. Jamal sto

alizing his presence f

-

Driv

the wheel, the other cradling Alia's intertwined fingers on the center console. Occasionally he lifte

but she stepped out, looping her arms around his neck before he could speak. He instinctively dr

fingers brushing his cheek

ght," he

ow?" sh

forehead. "Get some sleep, min

side, she leaned against the door, breathing in the lingering scent of cedar a

ontend with the memory of this night-painted in lante