Page 127 of The Hunter's Empire

"It came out because we spent days trying not to die together."

Theo places a hand dramatically against his chest. "That’s so romantic."

I drop my forehead into my hand with a groan. "I cannot believe I'm being interrogated over cake."

"No." Theo corrects with a grin. "You're being interrogated over Nico."

Laughter ripples around the table.

Despite every intention of defending myself, I can't stop the reluctant smile tugging at my lips. After everything the past week had thrown at us, sitting here being mercilessly teased by people I loved felt strangely comforting.

For the first time in days, life almost felt normal again.

The rest of the afternoon disappears in a blur of wedding preparations. One appointment blends seamlessly into the next as florists arrive with endless arrangements of roses and peonies, decorators spread fabric samples and table designs across every available surface, and the tailor insists on yet another fitting for the rich chocolate-brown gown Aurelia had chosen for me. Through it all, Theo somehow finds the energy to passionately debate flower arrangements and ribbon colors as though the fate of the entire wedding depends on every decision.

By the time the final vendor leaves, my feet ache almost as much as my injured ankle, but the constant laughter, teasing, and effortless chaos have made the hours pass far faster than I'd expected. For the first time since the crash, my mind has spent an entire afternoon focused on something other than survival.

Later that evening, Aurelia leads me to one of the private terraces overlooking the sea.

"My parents have been asking about you all day."

"I hope only good things."

"They're just excited to finally meet you."

The moment we step onto the terrace, several people rise to greet us. Hazel reaches me first, wrapping me in a warm hug before introducing herself. Beside her, Declan offers a firm handshake and a kind smile, telling me how relieved they all are that I'm safe. They simply welcome me as though I'd always belonged with them.

Killian, on the other hand, proves almost immediately that he's Aurelia's brother.

"So you're the famous Zora." He says with an easy grin. "I've heard you survived a plane crash, an island full of mercenaries, and somehow agreed to help with wedding planning. I'm honestly not sure which one impresses me most."

I laugh. "I'm beginning to think the wedding might be the most dangerous."

"See?" He points at me triumphantly. "I like her already."

The easy atmosphere around the terrace begins to work its way under my guard, and I find myself relaxing almost withoutrealizing it. Watching them together feels effortless. They tease one another without malice, interrupt each other without offense, and somehow make every conversation feel warm instead of exhausting.

It is nothing like the family I grew up in.

There are no hidden agendas. No carefully chosen words. No constant calculation over who holds the upper hand. For the first time, I understand why Aurelia loves people so openly. She learned from people who loved her first.

As the conversation drifts toward the wedding, Hazel turns to me with an encouraging smile.

"Aurelia mentioned you're engaged too. How's your wedding planning coming along?"

The question catches me completely off guard. My smile stays exactly where it is. But somewhere beneath it, something shifts.

Without warning, another face flashes through my mind. Not my fiancé's. Nico's.

For a brief moment, I simply stare at Hazel, trying to remember whether I'd ever actually told Aurelia she could share that part of my life with anyone else. Then again, I should have expected it. She wasn't the kind of person who kept happy news to herself, especially when it involved people she loved.

Still, hearing the words spoken aloud in a room full of strangers feels... different.

Engaged.The word settles strangely in my chest.

Before I can answer, my attention shifts almost instinctively toward the opposite side of the terrace.

Keith is standing near one of the open archways, speaking with Nico and two members of his security team. From this distance, I can't hear the conversation, but I don't need to. Nico looks up at almost the exact moment I do, as though he had sensed my gaze before I'd even realized I was looking for him.