"Mira—"
"What? I'm just asking." But she's grinning now, shameless. "Though from the look on your face, I'm guessing the answer involves significantly less business discussion."
I grab a cushion and throw it at her. She catches it, laughing.
"He treats you well?" The question comes quieter, more serious beneath the teasing.
"Better than well." The truth of it settles warm in my chest. "He's... everything, Mira. Everything I didn't know I could have."
Her expression softens. "Good. You deserve that."
The bond hums with warm contentment, and I know Lorenth can feel this conversation even from the kitchen. Feel my happiness at seeing Mira. My gratitude that she's here.
"But that doesn't explain whatyou'redoing here." I lean forward. "Not that I'm complaining. I'm thrilled. But?—"
"I'm moving to New Solas." She says it simply, like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
My heart stutters. "What?"
"You think I'm staying in that village?" She makes a dismissive gesture. "After everything that happened? After watching you escape to something better? I'm done with that place, Senna. Done with the small minds and smaller opportunities."
"But your apartment—your job?—"
"My apartment was a box I could barely afford, and my job could be done here." She shakes her head. "I'm ready for something new. Somethingmore."
Joy bubbles up in my chest, bright and effervescent. "You're serious."
"Completely." She grins. "Though I'll need a place to stay while I find work. Know anyone with a spare room?"
"Stay here." The words tumble out before I can think them through. "Stay with us. We have space—multiple bedrooms—and you shouldn't have to find somewhere right away when?—"
I cut myself off, suddenly aware I'm making decisions about Lorenth's home without asking him.
But Mira's already shaking her head, laughing. "Senna, I can't just?—"
"Yes you can." Lorenth's voice comes from the kitchen doorway. He leans against the frame, arms crossed, that small smile still playing at his lips. "Stay as long as you need."
I look up at him, warmth flooding my chest. He doesn't even hesitate. Doesn't question or hedge. Just offers.
Because he knows what this means to me.
The bond pulses with steady certainty, his feelings mixing with mine until I can't tell where he ends and I begin. Love. That's what this is. This overwhelming, all-consuming feeling that makes my chest tight and my eyes sting.
I love him.
Have loved him, probably, since that first night at the festival when he looked at me like I was something precious instead of something to be endured.
"You sure?" Mira glances between us. "I don't want to impose?—"
"You're not imposing." I stand, crossing to where Lorenth waits. His arm wraps around my waist automatically, pulling me against his side. "You're my best friend. You'refamily."
The word hangs in the air for a moment.
Family.
Something I haven't had in so long. Not really. Not the kind that chooses you instead of tolerating you.
But now...
