Page 152 of To Fight and To Fold

"Focus!" Runa snapped, grin wicked. "I wanna hear the sex stuff!"

"Runa!" Carissa whined. "Can you please let me be romantic about this?"

Runa's brow furrowed. "When do you wanna awaken it?" she asked.

Right now. But too much was happening, and Thea needed to be at her best.

"When she gets back," Aaryn said, nodding her head. "From Evergale. With Rolim," she added, nudging Carissa.

"After?" Runa asked, a little frown on her face. "Don't we have a few days? Why not now?"

Carissa shoved her shoulder, a tipsy, teasing grin on her face. "Quit being so horny. The magic takes a day or two to settle, and they'd be exhausted afterwards."

"Plus, I don't want her to be distracted when she's in Evergale, so I'll wait," Aaryn added.

"She said yes, though?" Runa asked hopefully.

Aaryn wanted to bury her face in her hands at the thought. You'll have me, baby in Thea's husky voice was definitely a— "Yes, she said yes!" Aaryn laughed and pressed two hands to her hot face.

They giggled with the brightness only alcohol and the discussion of lovers could bring forth.

Runa's tipsy smile turned to panic. "Oh, here she comes. What were we talking about—hurry!"

Their hushed mumbles for a cover story fell on Aaryn's deaf ears as Thea approached.

Thea, who arched a very attractive split brow at her as she drew closer, hands full of four tin mugs as she rejoined them, arms bared in her smoky blue vest and flexing as she lifted the full beverages.

"What are we talking about that's got Aaryn so embarrassed?" Thea mused, and Aaryn gasped.

"I am not—" But everyone's giggles eclipsed her defense and she found herself laughing too, because she knew Thea knew exactly what the topic of conversation had been. And it just—didn't bother her.

In fact, she swayed a little closer to Aaryn as she held out a cup to her.

Aaryn slid her hand beneath Thea's to take the handle, and their gazes locked for the briefest—and longest—of seconds as the drink changed possession.

And the night went on.

"How did you forgive Thea for lying?" Runa asked quietly, voice barely heard over the pop of burning wood and the murmurs of the quieting party.

"About…" Aaryn mused quizzically.

"Evergale. Being a fake knight."

Aaryn blinked quickly, her nose a bit cold though the fire was warm and pretty. Across from them, through the flames, sat Thea and Carissa, brows furrowed, probably in as deep a conversation as she found herself.

"I don't know," Aaryn finally answered. "I don't think I meant to, at first."

"Oh," was all Runa said, slumping and setting her empty cup at her feet.

Maybe she was looking for more of an answer. Aaryn could manage to provide that, even through the laziness of the mead. "Thea did lie to me at first. But… she had information I didn't. In fact, it's because of her that I'm closer to my dragon than ever before."

As if called, Starspark nudged into her back, agreeing with her sentiment. She laughed softly and reached up so he could nuzzle his snout into her outstretched hand.

If she hadn't left Evergale, she wouldn't have this.

Sure, it could be said that because Thea stole Starspark, it set a motion of events in place that couldn't be undone, but it could also be said that Aaryn leaving was the final straw. "We're all at the mercy of the Great Dragon for the first time, you know," she said, and glanced over.

Aaryn caught the flash of a crumpled expression before Runa's features smoothed out.