“Since you’re all going to keep talking, I’m just going to jump in and say hi.”
I turned my head. Next to Daelun was a stunning female, looking at me with jet black eyes and matching hair swaying in long strands down to her calves. She bat her long lashes, herbrow quirking up as she crossed her arms over a plump bosom and jutted out her curvy hip. She was definitely going to turn heads in here.
“Hey,” I said, waving with a few starlit sparks at my fingertips. “Safah?—”
“Anathelle. Fifi of Amaryss. Granfifi of Asarah. Great-Granfifi of Linora. I know. We all know.”
I flinched, crossing my own arms as I pulled away from Omarion.
“Well, since you know so much, who are you?”
The question was more direct than I meant it to be, but I didn’t care.
“Isandra,” she said, smiling. The curl to her lips made me nervous. “Isandra Marisol.”
My jaw dropped, all distrust evaporating.
“Marisol?” I gawked.
Isandra flinched back, looking between me and Ellabeth. Ellabeth was grinning wide like she was delivering the best surprise.
“Doesn’t your Papi own the Fruitatiya Cafe in the Feather Market?”
Isandra smiled sheepishly, but her black eyes burned with pride. “Yeah, he does.”
I shoved her playfully then gripped her arms. “Do you have any idea howobsessedmy family and I are with your mangogos?” My eyes widened as Isandra busted out laughing. “I couldliveoff of them until I died, I swear!”
Isandra laughed prettily, her high cheekbones only amplifying her beauty. “Glad to know we keep you full and happy.”
“The Fruitatiya heir?” I beamed at Ellabeth, eyes wide. She was ginning like a fool, too. She’d waited to introduce Isandra as a surprise and it worked.
The Marisols were legends in Port Emprarèl for their delicious fruit and juices. They also did fruit cakes that were simply addicting.
“Well,myfamily isn’t as exciting, but hi anyway.”
I looked and saw another female. She was shy, her eyes kept low, as she inched closer. She looked younger than us, though she had to be of age. We all were at least one thousand cycles, the age of maturing for angels.
“Oh?” I smiled her way hoping it would make her more comfortable. “And who are you? What family do you hail from?”
She bit her lip, looking around awkwardly.
Bless it. Poor thing was an extreme introvert. She seemed harmless enough. I could see why Ellabeth adopted her. And by the way she was now squeezing my hand, she wanted me to socially adopt the female, too.
“Amayah,” she said quietly. “Amayah Kamron.”
“You have the most stunning eyes, Amayah.”
She looked up at me, blinking her pretty blue eyes. Her cheeks flushed, her warm brown skin coloring, as she shook out her long, coily blonde hair.
“Thanks.” She bit her lip looking away, before looking back.
I smiled. I was scared of being too much for her. She looked ready to take flight any moment. I slid my gaze to Ellabeth. Her eyes spoke volumes. We had to keep Amayah close. She was gorgeous but quiet and looked like she scared easily. A prime target for beasts like Tharic.
I nodded. Ellabeth’s eyes widened with glee.
I found the last male of the group hanging a bit to the back, eyes disinterested. I quickly took in the shoulder length, wavy black hair, lighter brown skin, honey eyes, and matching wings. He was tall and muscular but still nimble. Like a reed that belonged in the desert. When his eyes slid to mine, I foundmyself wanting to sit with him alone, to listen to his story for a long time.
“Kazemir,” he said, without preamble. “Kazemir Nhanket.”
