The restaurant’s cathedral-like ceiling soared impossibly high above them, copper and gold fixtures catching the light like cloudy nebula. Multiple levels of seating cascaded down in elegant terraces, while the balcony beyond their table showcased delicate blown glass sculptures - ballerinas frozen mid-pirouette, their crystalline forms refracting the strange light of the moon.

Juniper fixed her gaze on one of the ballerinas, using its stillness to steady herself. Be like that - poised, controlled, unmoved.

The rescoil system cut through the usual light pollution like a blade, leaving the stars unusually visible against the ink-black sky, while warm copper luminaries cast intimate pools of light at each table.

The restaurant’s warmth pressed against Juniper’s bare shoulders as Daniel moved to pull out their chairs with that effortless confidence that always made her skin prickle with awareness. Unnecessary formality, she thought stiffly. As if good manners can make up for everything else. Her nails cutting into her palm, leaving half-moons in her skin as she fought to maintain composure.