**Chapter 43: Moonlit Confessions**

As the night deepened, Eira turned to Finnley with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Shall we go enjoy the festival without our chaperones?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the music. Finnley's eyebrow arched, but he couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "I suppose we can slip away for a bit," he said, offering his arm. Eira took it, and the two of them wove through the crowd, leaving Valoric and Scorch behind. Valoric, still walking alongside Scorch, noticed the pair's departure and raised an eyebrow. "It seems we've been abandoned," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. Scorch chuckled, her laughter like music to his ears. "I think they just wanted some time to themselves," she said, her eyes sparkling with understanding. As they continued through the winding streets, Valoric spotted a secluded spot overlooking the city. "Let's take a break from the crowd," he suggested, leading Scorch to a small rooftop garden. The view was breathtaking, with the city spread out like a twinkling canvas below them. Scorch settled onto the stone wall, her wings folding against her back as she gazed out at the sight. Valoric sat beside her, his eyes fixed on her profile. "You seem a bit...distracted," he said, his voice low and gentle. Scorch turned to him, her eyes searching his face. "I just feel like I'm being watched," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like everyone expects me to be something I'm not." Valoric reached out, his hand finding hers in a gentle grasp. "You're not alone, Scorch," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I've seen the way they look at you, with a mix of fear and reverence. But I see you, truly see you, and I know you're so much more than that." Scorch's eyes welled up with tears, and Valoric pulled her into a warm hug. As they sat there, wrapped in the silence of the night, Scorch felt a sense of peace wash over her. She pulled back, her eyes locking onto Valoric's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, without thinking, Scorch leaned in, her lips brushing against Valoric's in a soft, gentle kiss. Valoric's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling from the sudden intimacy. But as he looked into Scorch's eyes, he saw something there that gave him pause. He felt a spark of attraction, a sense of connection that went beyond mere friendship. Before he could process his emotions, Finnley and Eira appeared at the edge of the rooftop, their faces etched with concern. "Valoric, Scorch, we were looking all over for you," Finnley said, his voice a bit too loud in the quiet night air. Eira's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Scorch and Valoric. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. Valoric's face went still, his eyes darting to Scorch's before returning to his friends. For a moment, no one spoke, the only sound the distant music and laughter of the festival below.