Page 128 of The Hunter's Empire

For one fleeting second, our eyes meet. His expression doesn't change.

There isn't the slightest hint of surprise, amusement, annoyance, or disappointment. He simply looks at me with that same unreadable calm he'd perfected from the moment we'd met. It is impossible to tell what, if anything, is going through his mind.

"Zora?" Hazel's gentle voice pulls me back to the conversation.

I blink, realizing everyone is waiting for my answer.

"I'm sorry." I say with an apologetic smile. "My mind wandered for a second."

"It happens." Hazel replies warmly. "Wedding conversations have a habit of overwhelming everyone."

"They certainly do."

"So?" Killian asks, leaning forward with obvious curiosity. "Tell us everything. When's the wedding?"

I laugh quietly and shake my head. "There isn't much to tell yet."

"No date?" Hazel asks.

"Not yet. I think we're still trying to figure out where everyone's schedules align."

Declan nods thoughtfully. "Probably for the best. Rushing these things rarely ends well."

"I agree."

Hazel smiles encouragingly. "Well, whenever it happens, I'm sure it'll be beautiful."

"Thank you."

"We've only just met, but anyone Aurelia considers family is already family to us."

The words settle somewhere unexpectedly deep. I don't know how to respond to that kind of uncomplicated affection.

Growing up as a Krogen meant every relationship carried expectations. Every compliment had a purpose. Every conversation eventually circled back to business, reputation, or obligation.

The Sterlings don't seem to know how to love that way. They simply... do.

Aurelia notices my silence and gently bumps her shoulder against mine. "They're a little overwhelming."

"A little?"

She grins. "They'll probably adopt you by dinner."

Killian points toward her. "She's exaggerating." He pauses thoughtfully. "...Breakfast tomorrow, though? That's still on the table."

The entire group laughs. Even I can't stop myself from smiling.

By the time the last wedding meeting ends, night has settled over Elysian Haven. My ankle has finally had enough, so I slip away to one of the quieter courtyards and lower myself onto a stone bench with a relieved sigh.

"I was wondering how long it'd take before you admitted that your ankle still hurts."

I don't have to look up. "I wasn't admitting anything."

Nico steps into the pool of light cast by one of the lanterns, a bottle of cold water already in his hand. He sets it beside me before taking the opposite end of the bench.

"You've been limping all evening."

"I've been walking all evening."