Page 10 of Rings and Wings and Stardust Things

Ryon seemed to sense my fascination. “Would you like to try one of those?” he asked, his voice low and rich with amusement.

I couldn't help but grin at his perceptiveness. “They do look tempting.”

With a courteous nod to the vendor, Ryon procured a small plate piled high with the delicate confections. He offered it to me with a flourish. “For you, my lady.”

Plucking one of the pastries from the plate, I took an experimental bite. The flaky crust melted on my tongue, giving way to a burst of sweetness laced with hints of exotic spices I couldn't quite place. “Oh, that's heavenly,” I murmured around the mouthful.

Ryon's gaze lingered on me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he blinked and turned away, offering the plate to Sharlar and Helko.

As we continued to wander, I found myself utterly captivated by the sights and sounds around me. A troupe of dancers whirled past in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, their movements so fluid and precise it was as if they were extensions of the music itself. Nearby, a juggler kept a dizzying array of glowing orbs aloft, his deft hands weaving an intricate pattern through the air.

“You know, Savannah, I have a bit of a secret hobby,” Ryon confided, his head tilting slightly.

I arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Do tell.”

Ryon glanced around furtively. “I’m rather skilled at juggling myself,” he admitted with a wink.

A surprised laugh escaped my lips. “Juggling? Really? That’s not something I would’ve expected from a member of the illustrious Zorax clan.”

He puffed out his chest in mock indignation. “Why not? It’s an art form that requires dexterity, coordination, and no small amount of flair.”

Before I could respond, Ryon plucked three small spherical fruits from a nearby vendor’s stall, tossing a few coins in exchange. He rolled the fruits between his taloned hands, sizing them up with a critical eye.

“Watch this,” he declared, tossing the first fruit into the air with a flick of his wrist.

I watched, totally mesmerized, as the second and third fruits joined the first in a mesmerizing dance. Ryon’s hands moved with fluid grace, catching and releasing the fruits seamlessly. His wings fluttered ever so slightly, adding an extra dimension to his juggling routine.

As he added a fourth item—a small, glowing orb that cast shimmering shadows across his features—I found myself holding my breath, captivated by his deftness and showmanship.

Ryon grinned, clearly relishing the opportunity to showcase his skills. He tossed in a fifth object, a sleek metallic cylinder that seemed to defy gravity as it weaved through the pattern.

Just as I was certain he couldn’t possibly add another element to the already intricate display, a blur of movement caught the corner of my eye. A small, furry creature darted between Ryon’s legs, startling him.

The juggling objects went flying in every direction, narrowly missing a group of startled Draen bystanders. Ryon squawked in surprise, his wings flaring out as he attempted to regain his balance.

I dissolved into a fit of laughter at the comical scene unfolding before me. Ryon, flustered but unhurt, shot me a mock glare as he gathered the scattered items.

“You could have warned me about the kemat,” he grumbled, though his eyes danced with amusement.

Wiping away tears, I shook my head. “And ruin that grand finale? Never.”

“All right, you’ve had your fun. Shall we continue exploring this wondrous market?”

I grinned, threading my arm through his proffered elbow. “Lead the way, oh great juggler of Vorinax.”

RYON

The night market was a sensory overload—a riot of colors, sounds, and smells. Stalls spilled over with exotic goods, vendors shouted their deals, and the air was thick with the scent of grilled meats and spices that made my stomach rumble. You could barely hear yourself think over the cacophony of street performers, musicians, and the general hum of a thousand lives intersecting.

But honestly? My mind was light years away from this vibrant chaos.

Savannah’s laugh rang out like a melody, pulling my attention like it had a rope tied around my neck. She was at a stall, examining these intricately carved wooden figurines, her fingers tracing the delicate lines while the merchant babbled on, clearly trying to impress her. The bioluminescent lamps cast a soft glow on her face, making her look like something out of a dream. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

A gentle nudge against my wing snapped me back to reality. Sharlar was giving me a look, one elegant brow arched in question. I shook my head, trying to shake off the daze.

“Are you alright, Ryon?” she asked, her tone laced with genuine concern. “You seem... distracted.”

Forcing a smile, I nodded. “I’m fine, Sharlar. Just taking in the sights and sounds.”

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