Maria had been watching from the moment the gate opened.
She stood just inside the archway that led into the estate proper, arms folded loosely, expression unreadable as she sipped from a glass of wine. The courtyard scene played out in full view.
"…I'm assuming we're done greeting each other," Maria said calmly.
All three of them stiffened in different ways.
Ryn turned first. "You noticed."
Maria arched a brow. "I notice everything."
Her gaze flicked to Amelia, lingering just long enough to acknowledge the faint color still clinging to her cheeks, then slid to Jay.
"How's the trip been, Jay?" Maria asked.
Jay sighed. "It was… too eventful."
Maria nodded once, a faint grin appearing at the corner of her mouth.
"I'd assume so," she said. "Ryn has that effect."
"You don't say…" both Jay and Amelia said in unison.
She turned on her heel and gestured toward the interior of the estate. "Inside. Unless you want the whole city to listen in?"
