Nearby, Serena practically bounced with excitement beside one of the festival games.
“I want the avocado!” she announced dramatically.
The Draugr stared at the enormous stuffed avocado prize with visible confusion.
“But why?”
“Because it’s cute.”
“It looks diseased.”
“It’s smiling!”
The massive revenant sighed the weary sigh of a male already hopelessly devoted to his mate before promptly obliterating the carnival game with terrifying efficiency.
Serena squealed when he won the giant stuffed avocado and immediately wrapped herself around him.
I watched the Draugr carefully support her weight while pretending not to enjoy the affection.
Interesting.
Very interesting behavior.
Meanwhile Amrin stared after them with open fascination.
“Well, that was fun. So, um, you really went home?” she asked again softly.
I nodded.
“I informed my family of my intention to return permanently after my studies conclude and assume my position.”
She slowed abruptly beside me.
“Your position?”
Ah.
There it was.
The moment I’d been both anticipating and dreading.
Her brows furrowed as she studied my face carefully beneath the glowing festival lights.
“I don’t understand,” she admitted. “I mean… I know you’re obviously not a Hobgoblin.”
I snorted.
“That’s comforting.”
“But then, what or who are you?” she pressed gently. “What does all of this mean?”
The Draugr’s gaze sharpened instantly.
Serena quieted too.
Both clearly sensing the shift in atmosphere.
Because yes—this conversation mattered.
