Once again, Aire was the last to make it to the breakfast hall. Aire stepped in quietly. Her presence did not go unnoticed.
Heads turned towards her the moment she walked in. The weight of their gazes pressed against her the moment she crossed the threshold.
She felt the expectation in their gaze. Especially from King Elijah. The quiet, instinctive pull now followed her now wherever she went.
Aire paused just slightly at the entrance before continuing forward. Her eyes moved across the long table where everyone was already seated with King Elijah sat at the head and Alpha Blackfen beside him.
Nate leaned back in his seat, relaxed in a way that suggested he did not care who was watching him.
Xanden sat further down, with his posture straight, and his attention seemingly on his meal.
Alaric was there too.
Aire's gaze lingered on him for a second longer than necessary. Shenoticed the empty seat that belonged to Mabel.
Her brows pulled together slightly.
