Open.
Confident without being cruel.
I realized suddenly—with a strange little pang—that I’d never really had female friendships like this before.
Not genuine ones.
My sisters loved me in their own complicated way, but the Cordoza Coven operated heavily on competition and status.
Weakness became gossip.
Vulnerability became currency.
Meanwhile, Serena just complimented my dress like she genuinely meant it.
“I love your cloak!”
I actually preened slightly.
Embarrassing.
“Thanks,” I admitted. “Sten gave it to me.”
The words alone made warmth spread through my chest again.
Serena’s grin widened knowingly.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
As we walked toward the festival grounds, I found myself relaxing despite the anxiety still twisting low in my stomach.
The pathways through Runevald glowed tonight.
Thousands of floating fairy lights drifted through the trees while enchanted ribbons shimmered overhead between gothic towers and ancient stone archways.
Music echoed faintly through the night air alongside the smell of bonfires, sugar, spice, grilled meats, roasted nuts, chocolate fudge, and fried dough.
The entire realm looked beautiful.
Like something from a dream.
And for the first time since arriving at Runevald—I felt like maybe I belonged here too.
At least a little.
Serena was talking about magical coursework when her mate’s stomach growled loudly enough to interrupt her.
Raven looked entirely unapologetic.
“Food,” he announced simply.
Serena laughed while he stalked toward a nearby popcorn vendor with the terrifying focus of a male heading into battle.
Honestly?
Adorable.
