After dinner was ready, Sal knocked softly on the door. "Nina, it's time to eat."
Nina nudged Idir, who still refused to let go of her. "I'm hungry. Let's go eat."
Only then did Idir loosen his hold. He took her hand and opened the door.
The moment he saw Sal, his expression turned guarded. Without a word, he led Nina past him.
Sal drew in a slow breath, forcing himself to suppress the strong urge to snatch her back.
Nina sighed inwardly.
Idir guided her to the table and seated her, then sat close beside her.
Odian moved to take the seat on her other side—only for Idir to flick his hand, sending the chair skidding away with a burst of power.
Odian's face darkened. That damned Teng snake… just you wait.
He sat down one seat farther away.
The rest of the mates took their places as well.
As if by unspoken agreement, they all began tending to Nina's meal—peeling shells, picking out fish bones, serving dishes.
