The old cafeteria of the Veinwalker Compound had always been loud but tonight, it was alive in a different way. Months had passed since this exact group had shared a table. Missions, injuries, new ranks, unexpected alliances… everything had pulled them apart.
But now, for once, everyone was here.
Long wooden tables lined the center of the hall. Lanterns hung low from the beams, casting golden warmth across faces that had long been separated by battles they never asked for.
Khael arrived late.
Not because he wanted to but because he had stood outside for a moment, breathing in the rare sense of peace. It's been too long… he thought, stepping inside.
The sound hit him immediately.
—AND THAT'S WHY JUNJUN CAN'T EAT SIX BOWLS OF RICE!" Andromeda scolded, holding his dog up by the armpits. Junjun, a fluffy white bundle of pure ego, barked in protest.
