Page 134 of The Hunter's Empire

"I have never been more serious in my entire life."

Aurelia shakes her head. "Theo... Killian likes girls."

"I heard you."

"And?"

"And nothing." He shrugs innocently. "I can admire beautiful architecture without attempting to purchase the building."

I snort. "That might be the weirdest thing you've ever said."

"It was poetic."

"It was concerning."

Almost on cue, Killian glances in our direction. He notices the three of us immediately. More importantly… He notices Theo openly staring.

Excusing himself from his conversation, he walks over with an amused smile.

"I've got two possibilities." Killian says as he reaches us. "Either someone was complimenting me..." His gaze settles on Theo. "...or someone was gossiping."

Theo smiles sweetly. "Why can't it be both?"

Killian laughs. "I walked into a dangerous conversation."

Aurelia pinches the bridge of her nose. "Oh, no."

"Should I be worried?" Killian says while glancing between us.

"I don't know." Theo says, looking him up and down with exaggerated consideration. "Have you always had eyelashes like that?"

Killian blinks. "...I'm sorry?"

"The eyelashes." Theo repeats. "They're unfair."

A laugh escapes Killian. "I've been complimented on a lot of things."

"But not your eyelashes?"

"Never."

Theo sighs dramatically. "Criminal."

Aurelia groans, already shaking her head. "I am not encouraging this."

I can't help laughing. "You don't really have a choice."

Killian smiles, clearly amused. "I've decided I like him."

Theo places a hand over his heart. "Babe, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear."

The group settles back into easy conversation before attention gradually shifts toward the celebration unfolding around us. Guests drift back onto the dance floor, waiters weave effortlessly between tables with trays of champagne, and the orchestra eases into another song that fills the ballroom beneath the glow of crystal chandeliers.

My gaze wanders across the room until it finds Keith.

For the first time since I can remember, he looks completely at peace. One hand rests at Aurelia's waist as they move together across the dance floor, oblivious to the hundreds of guests surrounding them. She looks up at him with a smile so openly in love it almost hurts to witness.

Watching my brother like this fills me with a quiet sense of relief. He spent so many years carrying the weight of an empire that I'd almost forgotten he deserved happiness too.