“Hello, Seris. Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Kael.” Kael addressed me directly, surprising me.
“Hi. Daemon has told me a lot about you.”
“Don’t believe anything the bastard has told you,” Kael joked.
The jab earned him a playful middle finger from Daemon.
Kane, mouth full and double-fisting two chicken drumsticks, spoke as food flew from his mouth.
“Degenerates, the both of them!”
A boisterous laugh exploded from him as pieces of chicken hit Daemon’s face.
Kael leaned back, a disgusted look spreading across his features. Daemon simply kept his eyes closed and wiped his face clean.
“A group of feral hogs would lose their appetite eating with you.”
“The hogs would be on a spit roast if I were eating around them.”
Another booming laugh filled the festival as Kane launched another storm of chicken.
Kael quickly put a hand over his cup of wine.
The banter continued, flowing around me. Gradually, I realized they were including me. They weren’t forcing it, just leaving space.
“So, Seris, how has training been? I’ve heard Lyralei has been speaking with you. She’s been keeping us updated on you and Daemon’s activities.”
When Kael asked about Lyralei’s teaching methods, he seemed genuinely curious. They were treating me like one of their own.
“All I’ve learned is how to breathe,” I said. “I had no idea I had to learn how to do that.”
“Sounds like foundation training. It’s necessary in any discipline. Don’t be too hard on yourself.” He gestured toward Daemon. “Daemon’s foundation training was learning not to wet his pants.”
Kael earned another glare from Daemon.
The reassurance from Daemon’s former teacher lifted a weight off my shoulders, especially considering Daemon was known as one of the best assassins in the Kingdom.
Food began appearing, plates carried by villagers who seemed to materialize from nowhere. They set down dishes steaming with fragrant herbs and spices I couldn’t name.
Roasted meats glazed with honey and crushed berries. Bread that tasted like it had just come out of the oven. Fruits that burst on the tongue with flavors that shifted from sweet to tart to something indefinable.
Zephyr joined the group, slapping both hands onto Kane’s shoulders.
“Hey!”
The talented healer, archer, and wind magic user looked different from my first impression. During my rescue, he had been solemn and alert. Now his youth showed clearly.
Kane flinched as the impact jarred his sore back, and Zephyr’s chin dropped onto the top of his head.
Without even looking back, Kane grabbed Zephyr by the collar and lifted him with one hand before dropping him into the chair beside him. Zephyr’s legs hung loosely as he landed in his seat.
Zephyr didn’t bat an eye.
For the first time, I saw Daemon laugh genuinely. A smile that reached his eyes settled across his face as Zephyr picked up his utensils.
“So, Seris,” Zephyr said, “have you learned how to destroy reality yet?”
Before the bluntness of the question could sink in, Kael reached past Kane’s massive frame and smacked him on the head.
