The air between us crackled, thick with tension, as if the boutique itself had shrunk around us. Our gazes locked, sharp and unyielding.
Auren's expression remained calm, almost gentle. "We were having brunch nearby and heard you and your… bride were here. Thought we'd stop by and say hello."
"Not invited," Lucian replied, his voice cold, slicing through the charged atmosphere. "And a simple 'hello' wouldn't change anything, would it?"
Thalor leaned slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Tch… harsh as always. I hope Lady Celeste can thaw some of this dragon ice for us."
Lucian's eyes narrowed, though a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed the smallest hint of amusement. "And what does that have to do with you?"
Auren stepped closer, calm and steady. "I'm not here to provoke anyone. So… once again, congratulations, and see you at the ceremony."
