Ahead, the restaurant appeared like a palace suspended over water—glass and dark steel, softly lit terraces floating above cascading waterfalls that spilled into glowing pools below.
Dakota blinked. "This is a restaurant?"
Kade answered without inflection. "Yes."
"It looks expensive."
"It is."
"You're saying that very proudly."
"I am."
Takoda giggled between them.
The car rolled to the private entrance. Attendants waited outside, already standing at attention.
The moment the vehicle stopped, every employee straightened.
Kade Nightshade had arrived.
The vehicle stopped. Attendants moved at once—disciplined, never rushed. The rear door opened and cool night air slipped inside, carrying water, polished cedar, and the faint sweetness of night-blooming flowers.
"Welcome back, Alpha Nightshade."
The manager waited at the entrance, spine rigid, tension tight across his shoulders.
