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“And yet,” Leaf says smugly, “they lost.”

Ramona nudges him with her shoulder. “You played well.”

Leaf freezes. “…You mean that?”

“Don’t make it weird.”

“Ramona complimented me,” he announces.

“I will revoke it.”

“I’m framing this moment forever.”

Their eyes linger on each other a second too long. Then they both look away at the same time.

Esther leans toward me and whispers loudly, “They are mating.”

I nearly spit out my wine.

Castor coughs violently.

Ramona turns red. “We are not!”

Leaf points at Esther. “Finally, someone sees the truth!”

“I am simply observing behavioral patterns,” Esther says.

Ramona buries her face in her hands.

Leaf throws an arm around her shoulders. “Admit it. You love me.”

She elbows him hard enough to knock the breath out of him.

“Stop!” I say, wrapping my arms around my midsection. “You’re making my ribs hurt from laughing.”

For a moment, everything feels light, then something shifts in the room. Not the noise—the tavern is still roaring—but my eyes catch movement near the bar.

Three figures that look… sun burn me, could it be? I didn’t drink too much already, did I? My heart ricochets against my ribs.

It’s Bane.

He’s got a little more gray in his beard, but it’s him. Row stands beside him, massive as ever—barrel chest, bald head, permanent scowl carved into his face.

And Rosie.

Her red curls are unmistakable.

She’s talking with Anita at the bar. Pointing at something, likely explaining how she would do it if it were her establishment.

The room tilts.

I’m already on my feet before I realize I’ve moved.

“Akemi?” Ramona calls after me.

I barely hear her. I cross the tavern like I’m moving through water.

Bane sees me first. His eyes widen. “…Akemi?”