Page 157 of Godless Saints

“Don’t run, prince.”

My father entered then. Nathaniel Moon. He shook Cillian’s hand firmly, surprising me. He was behaving in front of Grandmother.

“Mr. Ashbourne,” he said. “Good to see you again.”

He pulled me into a brief hug. “How have you been, son? Good work on the Patronage Seat.” His mouth twitched faintly. “I heard you made quite an impression on the people who matter.”

“Thank you,” I said. “It was… a team effort.”

Father took a few steps toward the hallway, then stopped. “Cillian, a word. My study.”

My fingers locked around his hand before I could stop them.

Mother noticed. “Hyun-seo.” Her tone stayed perfectly calm. “Don’t start. Your father only wants to sort a few things out.”

“Now you’re both looking at me like I’m about to have him executed,” Father said, one brow lifting. “It’s a conversation.”

Cillian squeezed my hand. “I’m fine, Moonshine.”

I watched them disappear down the hall.

Grandmother squeezed my cheeks again. “Now tell me all about Evermourne. I want to hear everything.”

I forced a smile, but my pulse was already racing. What were they talking about in there?

Yuna took off.

I turned back to the table. Grandmother and Mother were both watching me expectantly.

I cleared my throat. “First year at Evermourne was… intense. But Sawyer’s doing well. Vivi too. They’re both thriving.”

Mother’s expression softened. “I’m so happy you two stayed friends. Even after the breakup.”

“Yeah, well—”

Grandmother cut in, waving her hand. “That was obviously just a cover relationship, dear. Moon is clearly involved with men.”

“Oh my god, Halmeoni. Can we please stop talking about me? Let’s hear from you instead.”

Yuna came running back in, designer shoes sparkling on her feet.

“Halmeoni, look!” She did a little spin. “Vivi got me these!”

Grandmother’s eyes widened. “Those are very pretty. Sparkly.”

Yuna beamed. “Yep! She’s my best friend.”

“She’s my best friend,” I muttered.

Yuna stuck her tongue out. “Mine.”

“And Sawyer too,” she added. “Is he still single?”

I scrubbed a hand over my face. “Even if he was, he wouldn’t date a fourteen-year-old. He’s twenty-two. Too old for you.”

Yuna tilted her head. “Oh yeah? How old is Cillian then?”

I paused. “I… don’t actually know.”