Brugmansia

 The evening sun cast its golden light across the tavern, creating long shadows on the wooden floorboards as I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of my dress. The dark navy-blue gown hugged my figure in all the right places, the silky material catching the faint light as I moved. It was elegant but understated—something that felt right for the kind of dinners Cynfael had become fond of hosting since his revelations.

Aurora fluttered around my head, her tiny voice full of approval. "You look stunning, Sage. He won't know what hit him."

I rolled my eyes at her teasing, but I couldn't stop the faint blush that crept up my neck. "It's just a dress," I muttered, though I couldn't deny that I'd put in a little more effort than usual. Something about these weekly dinners made me want to look my best—not just for Cynfael or Alohi but for... well, for myself.

Satisfied with my reflection, I slipped on my shoes and made my way downstairs, the faint sound of movement drawing me toward the main room. As I descended the staircase, I caught sight of Xenos standing near the doorway, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt.

He looked... sharp. His dark navy-blue shirt matched the tone of my dress almost perfectly, the tailored fit emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame. It was uncanny, really, how we'd accidentally coordinated without even speaking about it.

Xenos glanced up as I reached the bottom step, his eyes immediately locking onto me. For a moment, he didn't say anything, his gaze lingering in a way that made my heart skip a beat.

"You... uh..." he started, his voice trailing off as his eyes darted away. He cleared his throat, standing a little straighter. "You look nice."

"Thanks," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual even though my cheeks were starting to warm. "You, too. Looks like we match tonight."

He glanced down at his shirt and then back at me, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I guess we do. Purely coincidental, of course."

"Of course," I echoed, biting back a smile of my own.

Before either of us could say anything else, Alohi appeared at the top of the stairs, her voice ringing out. "You two are so disgustingly in sync, it's almost painful to watch." She descended in a flurry of gold and cream, her dress shimmering with every step. "Next thing you know, you'll be finishing each other's sentences."

"Unlikely," Xenos muttered under his breath, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he glanced at me.

Alohi waved a dismissive hand, clearly unimpressed with his sarcasm. "Come on, lovebirds. Cynfael's probably already setting the table and practicing his princely posture. Let's not keep royalty waiting."

I couldn't help but laugh at her dramatics, the tension that had briefly hung between Xenos and me easing with her presence. Together, the three of us made our way out of the tavern, the cool evening air greeting us as we stepped into the fading light.

Tonight was going to be another night of strategy and planning, but as I walked alongside Xenos and Alohi, I couldn't help but feel that, for the first time in a long while, I was exactly where I was meant to be.

The carriage awaited us outside, sleek and shimmering with enchanted silver that glowed faintly in the evening light. The door opened with a soft whir, and Alohi practically threw herself inside, claiming the cushioned corner with a dramatic sigh.

"Ah, nothing like royalty to make travel fancy," she quipped, sprawling comfortably.

I stepped forward, only to find Xenos at my side, his hand resting lightly on my elbow. "Careful," he said, his voice low as he gestured toward the small step leading into the carriage. Without waiting for my response, he gently took my hand and guided me inside.

"Thanks," I murmured, my cheeks warming at the simple gesture.

As I settled into the seat across from Alohi, Xenos climbed in behind me, his movements smooth and deliberate. The moment he sat down, his sharp eyes landed on me, scanning as if searching for something.

"You're bracelet's loose," he said suddenly, leaning forward before I could protest. His fingers worked deftly to adjust the clasp of the delicate silver band around my wrist, his touch careful and precise. "There. Don't want it falling off."

"Right. Thanks," I said again, feeling oddly self-conscious under his attention.

The carriage started moving with a soft hum of magic, the enchanted horses pulling us smoothly through the air. Alohi was too preoccupied with admiring the forest through the window to notice the way Xenos kept fidgeting.

Not two minutes later, his gaze landed on me again. "Your necklace," he said, leaning closer this time. His hand brushed against my collarbone as he adjusted the small pendant so it sat perfectly centered. "It was crooked."

"It's fine, Xenos," I said, my voice a little breathless, though I wasn't sure why.

He leaned back but only for a moment. "Your hair," he started again, his brows furrowing slightly as his fingers brushed over a stray strand. "It keeps falling into your face."

"Xenos," I said, giving him a look, though I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me. "Is there anything else you'd like to fix?"

His lips quirked into a faint smirk, but he didn't respond. Instead, he sat back, arms crossed, though his eyes lingered on me for a moment longer.

Alohi finally turned her attention back to us, raising a brow as she noticed the interaction. "I swear, Xenos, you're acting like a nervous newlywed," she teased. "What's next? You going to shine her shoes?"

"Don't you have some siren candy to obsess over?" Xenos shot back, though there was no real bite in his tone.

Alohi just laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, this is going to be a fun dinner. I can already tell."

I glanced out the window, hoping the cool night air would help calm the fluttering in my chest. Whatever this was between Xenos and me, it was becoming harder to ignore.

The carriage glided to a halt in front of the castle gates, its soft hum fading as the enchanted horses stilled. Alohi was the first to bound out, her excitement barely contained as she all but skipped up the grand staircase.

Xenos stepped out next, turning back toward me with an extended hand. "Come on," he said simply, his expression unreadable but his gesture unflinchingly steady.

I placed my hand in his, and he helped me down with ease, his hand lingering just long enough to send an odd warmth through me. We walked up the steps together, Alohi already far ahead, muttering something about how she hated being late.

Inside, the castle gleamed with golden light, chandeliers sparkling like captured starlight. Servants hurried about, their polished shoes clicking against the marble floors as they prepared for the evening. Cynfael was already waiting in the dining hall when we arrived, standing by the long table that was adorned with platters of food and crystal goblets.

"Alohi," Cynfael greeted, his face lighting up as she approached. She didn't hesitate to give him a playful shove before sitting down beside him, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"You're lucky I like you, Your Highness," she teased, earning a soft laugh from Cynfael.

Xenos and I trailed behind, and as we reached the table, he did something unexpected. He pulled out a chair for me, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips as he gestured for me to sit.

I blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture. "Thank you," I said softly, taking the seat.

Xenos simply nodded and moved to sit beside me, his usual stoic demeanor firmly back in place.

Cynfael watched the exchange with an amused look but said nothing, instead turning his attention back to Alohi, who was already reaching for the wine.

The room buzzed with low chatter as the servants began pouring drinks and passing plates around. I couldn't help but feel the weight of Xenos' presence beside me, his shoulder occasionally brushing against mine as he shifted.

"Well," Cynfael said, raising his goblet after a moment, "shall we toast to another productive meeting?"

"To more secrets and schemes," Alohi added with a grin, clinking her glass against his.

"To getting through this without a disaster," I muttered under my breath, earning a quiet chuckle from Xenos.

The evening had just begun, and I could already tell it would be one to remember.

As the servants cleared the first course, Alohi leaned back in her chair, swirling her goblet of wine with an impish smirk. I knew that look—it was the same one she wore right before she said something completely unfiltered.

"So," she began, her voice dripping with faux innocence, "Sage, Xenos, anything new you'd like to share with the table? Or should I do the honors?"

I froze mid-sip, my eyes darting to Xenos, who stiffened beside me. "Alohi, don't—" I started, but it was already too late.

"Oh, come on, Sage," she teased, her grin widening. "We all saw the way you two were acting at the tavern. And don't think I didn't notice how cozy you were in the carriage. Matching outfits? Fixing her jewelry? Seriously?"

Cynfael raised an eyebrow, looking between us with thinly veiled amusement. "I did notice the matching attire. A coincidence, or is there something you're not telling us, Xenos?"

Xenos leaned back in his chair, his face as impassive as ever, though I swore I saw the faintest hint of red creeping up his neck. "Alohi," he said in a warning tone, but it only fueled her more.

"Don't 'Alohi' me!" she shot back, grinning like a cat who'd caught a mouse. "You two are definitely a thing now."

I buried my face in my hands as laughter erupted around the table. Alohi looked entirely too pleased with herself, and even Cynfael joined in with a chuckle.

"All right, enough," Xenos finally said, his tone firm but lacking any real bite. His gaze flicked to mine briefly, softening for just a moment before he turned his attention to Cynfael. "Let's move on."

The atmosphere shifted as Cynfael set down his goblet, his expression growing serious. "Actually, there's something we need to discuss. It's about Mortis."

The laughter died instantly, and all eyes turned to him.

"He knows," Cynfael said, his voice low. "Mortis knows that Sage cured you, Xenos. Somehow, he's pieced it together. And he's not happy about it."

My stomach dropped. "What does that mean?"

"It means you're in danger, Sage," Cynfael replied, his tone grim. "Mortis has ordered Citrus to kidnap you. I don't know when, but it's only a matter of time before he makes his move."

Alohi's expression darkened, and she set her goblet down with a clink. "That slimy little puppet," she muttered.

Cynfael turned his gaze to Xenos. "That's why I'm asking you to guard her. Keep her safe, no matter what."

Xenos' jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists on the table. "You don't need to ask. I'd protect her with my life."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but glance at him, my heart pounding. Despite the fear twisting in my chest, there was a strange comfort in knowing he'd always be there.

"Then it's settled," Cynfael said. "We'll work on a plan to counter Mortis, but for now, Sage's safety is the top priority."

I nodded, trying to steady my nerves. The threat of Mortis loomed over us like a shadow, but I wasn't about to let fear dictate my life. Not now, not ever.