The embers rose like scattered stars, caught in unseen currents as the lanterns ascended with them.
From where he stood, Ash watched them all. Hundreds, thousands of them. Some lifted faster than others, caught by stronger winds. Others lagged behind wobbling and flickering before the air carried them higher.
But then, among the beautiful visage- one lantern stood apart.
Not in its glow. Not in its design.
But in its movement.
It did not wobble like the others.
It did not sway like something at the mercy of the wind.
It moved steadily, with a quiet, deliberate path apart from the others as it floated away from the lake and the funeral site.
Ash's ear flicked and his gaze was fixed on it.
It wasn't wrong.
But something about it felt…abnormal, different…
Unknowingly, a strong pull of curiosity sparked towards the lantern that moved unlike the others.
