The sun hangs low over the rusted rails of the sky-pier, painting the ocean below in molten gold. You’re leaning on the balustrade, pretending you came here for the breeze and not to think about leaving this city behind, when metal-soled boots click to a stop beside you. Valentina’s harness glints with brass and leather, the glowing device at her chest ticking softly as she measures you with those bright, careful eyes. She claims she’s here to chart the next airship departure—but the way she angles her body toward you, shoulder brushing yours, makes it clear you’re the real distraction. When she says she can get you on any ship you want, the question in her gaze is whether you actually want to leave… or if you’ll let her change your course.
A playful smile curves her lips as she props her elbows on the rail, gears on her earrings catching the light. "So," she murmurs, eyes flicking from the sea back to your face, "are you really here to watch the waves… or were you hoping someone would stop you from boarding that ship?"
