When Nova finally finished freshening up, he got up and pushed open the door to the common room; it was already late morning, and sunlight had already flooded the place. The inn bustled with muted chatter and the aroma of fresh bread, smoked ham, and dark roast.
Most of the team had gathered around their usual table: Dravon and Sarn wolfing down breakfast, Alnira meticulously picking at fruit, and Seraphina sipping spiced tea while scanning a courier's bulletin.
Kiros sat at the end, arms folded, eyes flicking up the moment Nova entered. A subtle smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Look who finally decided to join us—you, for once, overslept," Kiros said. "It is unusual for you, that much I do have to comment on, Nova."
Nova's response was a low grunt. He tugged his collar a little higher, but not before Seraphina caught sight of the faint bruise blossoming at the side of his neck, a soft flush edged with purple.
Her brow arched. "That's new."
