followed the signs to baggage claim. The airport's

way to the ground transportation area. Natural light spilled in t

awlins!" Sarah exclaim

y girl let's get settled in first." This caused Sarah to laugh, she linke

passengers. Leila and Sarah joined the taxi line. A friendly driver, sporting a Saints cap

address of their Fr

and new architecture, her expression thoughtful. Sarah chatted wi

charming hotel, its ironwork balc

e driver announced with a smile.

d politely.

ed onto the sidewalk. The sounds, scent

amazing!" Sa

, her expression serious. "Let's get chec

y's high ceiling, adorned with intricate moldings, seemed to transport them to a bygone era. P

esk, where a friendly receptionist, sporting

me to Hotel Lafitte.

excited to explore New Orleans I've heard this pl

We're happy to have y'all. May I have your names, please?".Leil

balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. You'll get to experien

ys, Leila asked, "Can you recommend a

just a block away for beignets and coffee. For dinner, try Danton's

ement. "Sounds amazing! We'll

he elevator. As they ascended to the third floor, the sounds

egant linens and pillows. Floor-to-ceiling windows led to a narrow balcony, w

e vibrant sounds of the city. She breathed i

t's freshen up and hit the town." Leila smiled, matching S

ed in with the throngs of tourists. The narrow streets, lined with

phere. Live music spilled out of bars and clubs, while street

k and grand architecture, while Leila admi

nt of freshly baked beignets and fried do

g the street vendors and cafés. Leila lau

lunch." They stopped at a street vendor, Cajun De

he vendor asked, his Cajun

imp po' boy, while Leila ch

out the city's hidden gems and local favorites. With their delicious mea

ing into her po' boy. Leila nodded, enjoying

y from the bustling streets. A beautiful fountain, surrounded

courtyard, surrounded by the soothing sound

meals and began eating, Leila clos

. "And you said coming here was a bad idea,

ad idea. I just had some...reservations about coming here." Sarah rais

y. "Yeah...those." Sarah's tone softened. "Hey, we're he

mentarily forgotten. "Thank

ty of the courtyard enveloped them, mom

en Leila got a nagging feeling that the

them, and she felt an electrifying jolt. Her h

aded to his shoulders in lush waves, framing his breathtakingly handsome face. Piercing black eyes with golden flecks sparkled lik

white top hinted at refinement. An intricate golden amulet hung fr

barely audible. The stranger's gaze nev

o?". Just then, a group of laughing tourists s

canned the courtyard, confused. "I don't see anyone." Leila's e

n grew. "Leila

that the stranger wasn't anywhere to be se

encounter. "Must've been just some curious

?". Leila nodded, forcing a casual tone. "Yeah

s continued eating, the atmosphere returning to normal. However, Leila's gaze occas

la listened, trying to focus, but no matter how much she tried s