Zohar nudged him with an elbow. “What’s going on with the girl with the floating hair? She’s staring daggers at you.”
Bálint groaned. “That’s Leanna. Don’t ask.”
Zohar’s eyes gleamed. “I am asking.”
“You know what? Why don’t you go say hi? I bet she would like you a lot better than she likes me,” Bálint suggested. “Charm her with your amazing personality.”
Zohar narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but before he could respond, Dew bustled forward, her expression flustered but gracious.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I think this calls for a celebration,” Dew announced, watching the teens laughing and joking with each other.
“I agree,” Orion said, turning to look at Ross. “I think I saw a keg of that drink you call beer onboard Drago’s ship. Would you like to help me sample it?”
Ross’s eyes lit up while Gem wiggled her nose with distaste. “Oh, yeah.”
“Hey! That’s my private stash,” Drago grumbled, turning to chase after Orion and Ross. “Orion, you’re as bad as Ashure!”
Laughter swept through the crowd at the joyful banter as the men headed for the docks. As the afternoon faded into evening, music drifted across the clearing. Lanterns floated above the lake like tiny stars, casting ripples of light onto the water. Villagers danced, laughed, and swapped stories with dragons and nobility alike.
Zohar was, predictably, flirting with Leanna, who was delightfully slipping through his fingers like wind. Phoenix and Geoff laughed with Adaline near the center fountain along with Mud and Breeze. At a nearby table, Drago and Orion were deep in conversation with Leanna’s parents and Dew’s husband, Wake, while Ross Galloway made a group of kids laugh with stories about Earth, while Princess Gem made them laugh with tales of Ross trying to save their kingdom.
But Bálint had only one focus.
He spotted Alice slipping away from the crowd, her braid swaying gently behind her as she wandered down to the end of the dock.
He hesitated for a moment, then followed.
She sat with her legs dangling over the edge, bare toes skimming the surface of the lake. The moon had risen, and its reflection shimmered across the rippling water. Wisps of mist floated lazily from the royal airship, now docked and softly glowing with the hum of magic.
He sat down beside her, careful not to disturb the quiet.
They sat in silence, the peace between them fragile as spun glass.
He glanced at her—and stilled.
She was crying.
Her shoulders were hunched slightly, and tears slid silently down her cheeks.
Concern surged in his chest. He scooted closer and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side.
“Hey… what’s wrong?”
She shook her head. “Everything. And nothing.”
He reached up and stroked a tear from her cheek. “Tell me the everything.”
She sighed. “I miss my mom and dad. I’m happy Zohar and Phoenix and Adaline are okay… but I’m scared for the others. And…” She paused.
“And?” he asked gently.
“And you never kissed me.” Her voice was small, trembling. “Not once. And I don’t know why.”
Bálint’s heart skipped.
He turned to her and cupped her face in both hands, forcing her to look at him.
“Because I’m stupid,” he said softly.
