Ren paced down the street, his gaze drifting over the crowded marketplace. For some reason, Enzo had suggested an outing—with everyone.

Neither Zayden nor Ren had asked why.

Perhaps Enzo simply wanted to look around.

Eiran had tagged along as well, claiming he would be bored at home alone and that he needed to buy something.

Zayden had asked him what it was, but the boy only turned his head away, as if that alone would make the man stop talking.

Yet somehow, it worked. Zayden didn’t press the matter any further.

"Ren, look at this," Enzo said, pointing toward a hillay.

The silver-haired man followed Enzo’s finger, trying to figure out what exactly his friend was so excited about.

"Don’t tell me you have never seen one," Enzo gasped, planting his cane firmly against the ground.

The once snow-covered streets had been cleared, making it easier for him to walk. That was one of the main reasons he had insisted on going out today. With the weather pleasant and the streets lively, people would be too busy enjoying themselves to stare at him—to judge him.

People often preferred not to see those with disabilities. As if looking away could make them nonexistent.

"No, I have," Ren replied slowly, then hesitated. "But... what is it that you want to show me?" he asked, glancing toward the father and son walking ahead of them.

Enzo chuckled, lowering his head slightly before speaking again.

"It’s a ride. Though it’s usually used to transport merchandise," he explained. "I always wanted to try it. However, because of my status as a noble, I was never allowed to..."

Ren studied the vehicle more carefully. Two horses stood at the front, reins taut, a flat wooden platform hitched behind them with thick ropes. Two men sat at the front, while countless boxes were stacked behind, secured by silver railings along the edges to keep the goods from falling.

"So this is a hillay..." Ren murmured.

Just then, he sensed the air behind him grow warm. A familiar scent of musk drifted to his nostrils. Without a second thought, he knew who was standing there.

Zayden rested his chin on Ren’s right shoulder, his gaze fixed on the hillays ahead.

"Do you want to ride one?"

The omega looked up, eyes bright with curiosity. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Is that even possible? Aren’t they only used to carry goods?"

The General laughed—quietly. Soft, almost ticklish against his lover’s ear.

"Anything for you, beloved."

The tips of Ren’s ears flushed red at once. He glanced around, making sure no one had heard what Zayden had just called him.

He couldn’t understand where Zayden had picked up that word, or why he insisted on using it, but every now and then, he would surprise Ren by saying it—out of nowhere.

Enzo coughed, clearing his throat, hoping the two lovebirds would realize where they were standing.

This time, his chest didn’t tighten. Nor did his stomach twist. Nor did his vision blur. He could watch them—truly watch them—happy together.

Perhaps the feelings he once had for Zayden had disappeared.

He almost laughed at the thought.

Love never disappears... It is simply the perspective of the one who loves that changes.

He told himself.

Maybe his love for him had shifted—from wanting him for himself, to simply wanting him to be happy.

Enzo would never know for certain.

However, this... was enough.

He had grown tired of pain, of agony, of suffering.

By the time he snapped back to reality, the couple was already gone.

Eiran reached for his hand, guiding him toward his parents.

"Why do you keep spacing out?" the boy asked, looking up at him.

"Was I?" Enzo forced a laugh, scratching his cheek nervously.

Eiran didn’t look convinced. His brows knit together in a way far too serious for a child his age, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he tugged Enzo forward as the hillay came to a slow halt right in front of them.

Enzo was helped up first by the man driving it. He settled at the far left edge of the wooden platform, gripping the railing lightly as he adjusted his balance. Then, he placed his cane between two large boxes, making sure they wouldn’t fall.

The wood was rough beneath his back, a mixture of warmth from the sun and cold from the chilling breeze. Not unpleasant—at least.

Eiran climbed up next, sitting close to him, legs swinging idly over the side.

Ren followed, pulling his long coat before taking a seat beside his son.

Zayden sat last, naturally positioning himself at the far end, close enough that Ren’s shoulder brushed his arm.

The horses snorted softly as the hillay began to move.

Eiran’s eyes lit up almost immediately.

"It’s moving!" he exclaimed, gripping the railing.

Ren smiled, instinctively placing a hand over Eiran’s.

"Hold on tight."

Zayden watched them quietly, one arm resting behind Ren as if ready to catch him should the hillay lose its balance. It wouldn’t be uncommon—not during winter.

Although the snow had been cleared, ice sometimes formed on the road on its own, causing the wheels to skid without warning.

Enzo glanced at the three of them, the wind brushing against his face.

What a perfect family.

He thought.

This time, he wasn’t envious of Ren or Zayden. He was... satisfied just watching them. He would never become a homewrecker—the thought alone disgusted him.

Slowly, he shifted his gaze to the people, the shops, then the sky, and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply.

But he couldn’t find peace. It was nowhere to be found. There was a face that kept flashing before his eyes—Charles.

The man was dead, yet he haunted him as if he were still alive.

Before he realized it, the hillay came to a stop. He turned, only to find Eiran asleep, his head resting against Ren’s arm.

Enzo’s gaze shifted to Ren—and even he was fast asleep.

Was the ride so peaceful that the two of them had drifted off?

"Zayden," he said softly.

A faint, "Shhh," answered him. Zayden shook his head, pressing a finger to his lips, signaling Enzo to stay quiet.

"But—"