Kaida’s usual clothes are gone, replaced by a loose, slightly frayed skirt and a shirt that’s just a little too big on her. It’s obvious they just handed her whatever they had lying around. Despite her usual confidence, I can see it in her eyes—the quick glances at the rowdier tables, the way her smile falters for half a second before she recovers. She’s putting on a good show, but she’s a little overwhelmed.

“You know what’d be real entertaining?” Shade says, and I can almost feel the grin curling behind his words.

I sigh, already bracing myself. “What, Shade?”

“Artemis? What are you doing here?” she asks, her voice a mix of surprise and relief as she stops in front of my table.

I glance up at her, trying to keep my expression neutral. “I haven’t been able to find work yet,” I admit. “So I just wanted to check on you when I saw you.”

Kaida’s smile falters, and she leans in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I’m horrible—please help me. There’s so many people, and I’m barely keeping it together.”

I sigh, already knowing where this is going. “Kaida, I told you—I don’t feel comfortable doing this.”

“I know, Artemis, but I—please?” she pleads, her wide eyes looking at me like some sort of helpless puppy. “You’re my bestest best friend,” she adds, drawing the words out dramatically.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes for a moment. “You suck,” I mutter, finally pushing myself to stand.

Kaida’s face lights up immediately, and she claps her hands together like a child who’s just been promised candy. “Yay! They needed more girls anyway.”

Wait a minute.

As we move something clicks. Kaida is all smiles now, walking ahead like she owns the place, her earlier desperation completely gone.

She’s practically skipping. My mind replays her panicked plea from just minutes ago—“Please help me! There’s so many people!”—and the realization hits me like a brick.

She was guilt-tripping me.

"Kaida," I hiss, narrowing my eyes as the pieces fall into place.

She glances back at me, her innocent expression only fueling my irritation. "What?" she asks sweetly, blinking like she has no idea what’s wrong.

"You guilt-tripped me!" I snap, pointing an accusing finger at her. "You’re not overwhelmed at all, are you? You were just trying to sucker me into this!"

Her grin widens, confirming everything. "I mean… maybe a little overwhelmed," she says, holding up her thumb and forefinger to emphasize the "little."

"But you’re so much better at dealing with people than I am. And let’s be honest, Artemis, I needed you. Look at us! Dream team."

"I’m gonna kill you," I mutter, glaring at her as I struggle to keep up in this ridiculous outfit.

Kaida just laughs, completely unfazed by my threat. "Relax! You’ll thank me when we’re rolling in tips and out of here with enough money to buy everything we need."

Shade, of course, chooses now to chime in. "You have to admit, she played you beautifully. It’s almost admirable."

"Shut it, Shade," I think, focusing my anger back on Kaida as she glances over her shoulder, flashing me a grin.

"Come on," she says, gesturing toward a row of tables filled with loud, rowdy patrons. "Let’s get to work. You’ll be fine."

I grit my teeth, muttering under my breath as I follow her. "Dream team, my ass."

“Speaking of,” Shade says with a tone far too smug for my liking, “I’d recommend not bending over unless you want even more tips.”

“Shut. Up.”

“Oh, come on, Artemis. You have to admit it’s a little funny.”

“You are not funny,” I think sharply, my cheeks burning as I avoid eye contact with the tables of rowdy patrons Kaida’s leading me toward.

Just as I’m contemplating whether collapsing on the floor is a viable escape plan, I glance toward the entrance—and spot them.

The guys.

Lorien walks in first, his confident stride making him stick out in the chaotic room. Hrothgar follows, his imposing frame drawing immediate attention from a few nearby patrons. And, of course, Veyron saunters in last, his usual smug grin plastered on his face as he scans the pub.

Oh great, I think, groaning internally. This is exactly what I needed.

Shade hums in amusement. “This is going to be fun. What’s the over-under on Veyron making some sort of comment about your outfit within the first ten seconds?”

“I don’t want to hear it, Shade”, I think, trying to turn away before they notice me. Unfortunately, Kaida, who has apparently been thriving in her element, spots them immediately and waves them over with an excited grin.

“Of course she does,” I mutter under my breath, grabbing a tray and pretending to be busy as they start making their way through the crowd. My face is already burning just thinking about what’s coming next.

“At least Lorien will enjoy it,” Shade says, his voice dripping with mischief.

My face burns immediately, the heat rushing up my neck like a wildfire. Ugh.

“Shut up, Shade,” I mutter furiously, trying to ignore the way my heart skips at the thought. “This is bad enough without your commentary.”

He chuckles softly, entirely too pleased with himself. “Just saying. I mean, look at him—he’s already scanning the room. What do you think he’ll say when he spots you?”

Another reason to get revenge on Kaida, I think bitterly, my gaze flicking toward her as she chats animatedly with the guys, clearly unbothered by the chaos she’s unleashed on my life tonight.

Chapter 33

I slip into the back room, leaning against the wall and trying to catch my breath. My face is still burning, and the distant sound of the pub’s chaos feels like it’s closing in. If I just hide out for a little while, maybe I can get through this without them noticing me. Maybe. Ugh why are they even here?.

But, of course, Kaida is always one step ahead.

The door creaks open, and there she is, hands on her hips and a knowing grin plastered across her face. “Uh, what are you doing back here?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “Your tables are almost all looking for you.”

I groan, pressing a hand to my forehead. “Kaida, can you not? I’m just—taking a break.”

“A break?” she echoes, clearly not buying it. “Artemis, you’ve been gone for, like, five minutes. Your patrons are already waving their mugs around like they’re about to riot.”

“I can’t go back out there,” I mutter, shaking my head.

Kaida tilts her head, her grin softening slightly as she leans against the wall beside me. “This isn’t about the drunk guys, is it?” she asks, though her tone already suggests she knows the answer.

I sigh, avoiding her gaze. “The guys are here,” I admit finally.

Her grin immediately returns, twice as mischievous as before. “Ohhh, that’s why you’re hiding. Let me guess—Lorien?”

My face burns again, and I glare at her. “Don’t start.”

Kaida laughs, patting me on the shoulder. “Relax, Artemis. If anything, they’ll tip better when they see you. Come on, you’ve got this.”

“I hate you,” I mutter, but she just pulls me back toward the door, ignoring my protests.

“If your boyfriend,” I mutter pointedly, glaring at Kaida as she tugs me back toward the chaos of the pub, “says one word, you’d better protect him—because he might not be alive for long if he starts running his mouth.”

Kaida’s grin only widens as she stifles a laugh. “Oh, come on, Artemis. Veyron’s not that bad.”

I raise an eyebrow at her. “Are we talking about the same Veyron? Because I know he’s going to say something. Probably as soon as he sees me in this ridiculous outfit.”

Kaida shrugs, clearly unbothered by the impending disaster. “He might tease you a little, sure, but he’s harmless. Besides,” she adds with a sly smirk, “he’s not dumb enough to say anything that’ll get him stabbed in front of a crowd. Probably.”

“Probably?” I snap, my glare intensifying.

“Relax, Artemis,” she says, waving me off. “I’ll keep him in line. But honestly, you’re giving him way too much credit. You should be more worried about Lorien.”

My face burns instantly, and I whip my head around to glare at her. “Kaida.”

“What?” she says innocently, though her grin is anything but. “Just saying. If I were you, I’d be focusing on his reaction instead of Veyron’s.”

I groan, rubbing my temples as she pulls me closer to the edge of the dining area.

"Why do you take so much joy in this?" I mutter under my breath, shooting Kaida a glare as she drags me closer to the chaos of the pub.

She glances at me over her shoulder, her grin absolutely devious. "Because it’s hilarious, obviously."

I groan, resisting the urge to stomp my foot like a child. "This isn’t funny, Kaida. This is humiliating."

"Oh, come on, Artemis," she says, waving me off like I’m overreacting. "You look great, you’re making gold, and you’re keeping things lively for the rest of us. What’s not to love?"

"The part where I’m dressed like this in front of the guys!" I hiss, lowering my voice as we near the dining area.

Kaida smirks, leaning in slightly. "I think you mean ‘in front of Lorien,’ specifically," she teases.

I clench my jaw, my face burning as I resist the urge to yell at her. "You are the worst."

"You love me and you know it. Otherwise you wouldn’t always be around me," she says, patting my shoulder. "Now, go serve some tables before Gilda starts shouting again. And maybe, if you’re lucky, your boyfriend will tip you extra."

"Kaida, I’m going to literally and I do mean literally kill you," I say, but she’s already darting off, leaving me standing there fuming as the noise of the pub surrounds me once more.

Kaida disappears back into the sea of tables, leaving me standing there with my face burning and my fists clenched at my sides. Why do I put up with her? I think, taking a deep breath and forcing myself to move before I get in trouble.

I grab a tray of mugs from the bar, my knuckles whitening around the edges as I do everything in my power to avoid looking at the table where the guys are sitting. Just another round, just another shift, and then I’m out of here. Easy.

Of course, my luck never holds.

“Artemis!” Veyron’s voice rings out loud and clear, cutting through the noise of the pub like a knife. I freeze mid-step, and my stomach drops. Slowly, I glance over, and there he is—smirking like he’s just hit the jackpot. He’s leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, with that stupid bag of gold sitting on the table in front of him like some kind of trophy.

Don’t engage, don’t engage, I think, willing myself to keep walking.

“Wow,” he says, dragging out the word as his smirk deepens. “Didn’t know you were branching out into the service industry. Lookin’ good, Artemis.”

My face burns hotter, and I hear Shade’s low, amused chuckle in the back of my mind. “Called it.”

I clench my jaw, carefully setting the tray down at another table before turning toward Veyron’s. Stay calm. Just a little longer. Don’t kill him here.

Hrothgar looks up from his mug, his brow furrowed as he glances between me and Veyron. “Veyron, quit it,” he says in his usual no-nonsense tone, though there’s a faint flicker of amusement in his eyes.

And then there’s Lorien, sitting there quietly with a faint smile on his lips. His gaze meets mine, calm and steady as always, but there’s something in his expression that makes my heart skip.

Kaida, of course, is standing nearby, watching the entire scene with a grin so wide it could split her face. She gives me a little wave, her expression practically screaming this is amazing.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to walk over to their table. “Do you want anything, or are you just here to make my night worse?” I ask, glaring at Veyron.

Veyron chuckles, leaning back even further. “We’ll take a round of drinks,” he says casually. “And hey, don’t be mad. You look great. Really leaning into the whole… local vibe.”

I grit my teeth, slamming a mug down in front of him hard enough to make it slosh. “One word. One more word, and you’ll be drinking through a straw for the rest of whatever short life you have here,” I mutter, low enough that only he can hear.

His grin falters just a little, and Kaida snickers from her spot nearby.

Shade hums in my mind. “That was almost impressive. Almost.”

I ignore him, turning toward Lorien. “Anything for you?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

He smiles up at me, and it’s so warm and genuine that it throws me off for a second. “Just water,” he says simply.

Of course. He’s always got to be the perfect, thoughtful one.

“Coming right up,” I mumble, spinning on my heel and making a beeline for the bar before anyone else can say anything.

“More like cheap one,” Shade says with a low chuckle. “Last I checked, water doesn’t cost much, and it certainly doesn’t get tips.”

“Shut up, Shade,” I snap back mentally as I reach the bar, trying to focus on grabbing the drinks. “Not everything’s about money.”

“It’s a pub, Artemis,” he quips. “Everything’s about money. And maybe a little bit about showmanship—something you could use more of.”

I scowl, grabbing a mug of ale for Veyron and a glass of water for Lorien. “He doesn’t need to drink to enjoy himself, people can live some without liquid courage,” I think back.

“Ah, yes, the noble Lorien,” Shade replies, his tone laced with exaggerated reverence. “So thoughtful, so perfect. You’re practically swooning every time he smiles at you. Admit it.”

I feel my cheeks heat up again, and I grip the tray tighter as I start heading back toward the table.

“And you didn’t deny it,” Shade says, his voice fading into an amused hum as I approach.

I set the drinks down on the table, trying to keep my face neutral. Veyron looks like he’s about to make another comment, but Hrothgar kicks him lightly under the table, giving him a warning glance. For once, he backs off, smirking into his mug.

Lorien looks up at me as I place his glass in front of him, and his calm, steady gaze makes my heart stutter. “Thank you,” he says softly, and the way his voice carries just the faintest warmth makes me feel like he’s speaking directly to me, even in the crowded room.

“You’re welcome,” I reply quietly, my lips twitching into the smallest smile before I turn and head to another table, doing my best to shake off the way my chest feels lighter—and heavier—at the same time.

“That’s not the only thing you shook in your excitement,” Shade says, his tone dripping with mischief. “You shook your hips quite a bit walking away from him. Very noticeable.”

I freeze mid-step, my face instantly burning. “Shut up, Shade,” I think furiously, forcing myself to keep moving like nothing happened.

“What?” he continues, mock innocence dripping from every word. “It was a natural reaction. Can’t blame a girl for getting a little flustered when her ‘not’ boyfriend gives her that look.”

“You’re insufferable,” I snap back, my hands tightening around the tray as I head toward another table.

Shade chuckles, the sound low and maddeningly amused. “Oh, Artemis, you make it too easy.”

I grit my teeth, determined not to give him the satisfaction of a response. But as I glance back toward Lorien’s table, I catch him watching me—calm, steady, and just… Lorien. And for a second, my resolve falters.

Great, I think, ducking my head quickly to hide the blush creeping up my neck. Now I’m overthinking how I’m walking. Thanks for that, Shade.

“You’re welcome,” he replies smoothly, laughter lingering in the corners of my mind.

After this next shift, I’m done, I think firmly, dodging a drunk patron as I balance another tray of mugs. I never should’ve agreed to another round, but the gold was just too tempting.

The weight of the pouch at my hip is undeniable proof of how lucrative this has been—far easier than trudging through a dungeon or facing down monsters. No risk, no near-death experiences, just tiring, humiliating work. And yet… I feel exhausted in a way that even fighting never leaves me.

“At least it wasn’t dangerous,” Shade says, his voice breaking through my thoughts. “Well, unless you count the danger of someone pinching your—”

“Stop right there,” I snap, cutting him off before he can finish.

He laughs, that irritating, knowing chuckle that’s become his trademark. “Just saying, you’ve got quite a bit of coin for very little risk. Isn’t that what you’ve been wanting all along? No life-threatening nonsense, no sacrifices, just easy money.”

“This isn’t easy, Shade,” I reply sharply, weaving through the tables. “It’s humiliating, and exhausting, and—”

“—and profitable,” he finishes smoothly. “Admit it, Artemis. Part of you is tempted to stick it out a little longer. Who knows how much you could walk away with if you keep this up?”

I bite back my response, focusing instead on dropping off drinks at another table. He’s wrong. There’s no way I’m doing this again. One more round, and I’m done. For good this time.

“If you change your mind,” Shade says, his voice sly and far too pleased with himself, “I could always do it for you. Put on a bit more of a ‘show.’ Probably triple your tips.”

“No way,” I think back instantly, my cheeks flushing at the mere suggestion.

“Sex appeal is a lot more profitable than shyness,” he continues smoothly, like he’s just giving helpful advice. “A smile here, a sway there, maybe a little laugh at someone’s bad joke—people eat that up.”

“Not happening, Shade,” I snap, my grip tightening on the tray as I stomp toward another table. “I’m not turning this into some kind of performance just to get a few extra coins.”

“Suit yourself,” he replies, unbothered. “But you can’t deny the results. I mean, Kaida’s been doing it all night—look at how much she’s raking in.”

I glance over at Kaida, who’s laughing loudly at a patron’s story, her tray nearly overflowing with mugs. She’s clearly in her element, but the thought of mimicking her carefree, flirty approach makes my stomach turn. That’s just not me, I think firmly.

“That’s the problem,” Shade says, his voice softening just a fraction. “You let that stop you. You could own this room if you wanted to, Artemis. All it takes is a little… confidence.”

“Confidence doesn’t mean pretending to be someone I’m not,” I fire back, setting down the last mug on my tray before heading toward the bar for what I hope is my final run of the night.

“Fair point,” he murmurs, surprisingly without sarcasm. “But you’ll let me know if you change your mind.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” I think, glaring at the stack of mugs waiting for me on the counter.

As I move through the crowded room, my gaze flicks to the guys’ table, and I freeze for a moment. One of the other servers—the only other girl still working—has made her way over to them. She’s leaning forward, her elbows on the table, her chest practically spilling out of her shirt as she chats with Veyron and Hrothgar.

“She gets it,” Shade says smoothly, his tone practically oozing amusement.

“Shut up,” I snap, my face heating up as I grip my tray tighter. Why is she even at that table?

“She’s working the room, Artemis,” Shade replies, sounding far too pleased with himself. “Maximizing her tips. Smart girl.”

“It’s unnecessary,” I think, glaring at the table as Veyron flashes one of his trademark grins at her. They don’t need anything. They already ordered from me.

“Yet,” Shade hums, “there she is, charming your party. Careful, Artemis. You might have some competition.”

“Competition? Are you kidding me?” I glance toward Lorien, who’s sitting quietly as usual, his attention entirely on his water. At least he’s not joining in on whatever this is. Still, why isn’t anyone telling her to back off?

“Jealous, are we?” Shade teases, his chuckle echoing faintly.

“I’m not jealous!” I think quickly, though even I can hear the defensiveness in my tone. I just don’t want her hovering around them. That’s all.

“Of course not,” Shade says lightly, his voice laced with mock understanding. “You’re just being… territorial. Totally different.”

I grit my teeth, doing my best to ignore him as I grab another tray of drinks and make my way across the room. I’m not territorial. I’m just… annoyed. That’s it.

As I focus on tending to another table, I glance back toward the guys’ table and feel my stomach twist. The server has returned, this time with a drink in her hand. She sets it down gently in front of Lorien, flashing him a bright smile as she says something I can’t quite hear over the noise of the pub.

Shade hums with amusement. “See? She’s even charmed him into actually getting a drink. Impressive.”

“He didn’t even want a drink,” I think irritably, setting down a patron’s mug with more force than I intended. I catch myself, trying to stay composed, but my eyes keep darting back to their table. Lorien looks surprised but doesn’t wave her off—he simply nods politely, offering a small smile.

“You know,” Shade continues, his voice smooth as ever, “it wouldn’t hurt to step in. Remind him who’s been at his side through dungeons and death traps.”

“I’m not stepping in,” I think sharply, though my fingers curl tightly around the tray in my hands. “She’s just doing her job, right? It’s not a big deal.”

Shade chuckles softly. “Keep telling yourself that, Artemis. I’m sure it’ll make you feel better.”

I grit my teeth, trying to focus on anything other than the faint pang of annoyance bubbling up inside me. She’s just being friendly, I tell myself. He’s not going to fall for something so obvious… right?

“He’s a guy, Artemis,” Shade says with a knowing chuckle. “You know exactly if he would.”

Shit. What a bitch, I think, the words flashing through my mind before I can stop them. My eyes widen as I catch myself. Did I really just think that? Jeez, what’s wrong with me?

Shade’s laugh deepens, thoroughly entertained. “Yeah, you don’t seem jealous at all. Not even a little bit.”

“I’m not jealous,” I snap, though the heat rising in my cheeks betrays me. I force myself to look away from Lorien’s table, focusing on the tray in my hands like it’s the most important thing in the world. “She’s just… overly friendly. That’s all.”

“Sure, Artemis,” Shade says smoothly. “You keep telling yourself that while glaring daggers at the poor girl for daring to smile at your boyfriend.”

“He’s—” I cut myself off, groaning internally. Not the point the label doesn’t matter.

I take a deep breath, trying to shake the irrational irritation building inside me. I don’t even know her. She’s just doing her job. There’s no reason to feel like this.

But as I glance back toward Lorien—his calm smile, the way he quietly thanks her, the faint blush dusting his cheeks—I can’t help but feel that twinge of frustration all over again.

Shade hums thoughtfully. “This is delightful. You should let yourself feel it, Artemis. Let the jealousy fuel you.”

“You’re insufferable,” I mutter, turning back to my table and vowing not to look at Lorien’s again. Not until I can calm down.

I move to my last two tables, collecting their payments with quick, practiced efficiency. Just a little longer, I think to myself. Finish up, grab your gold, and get out of here.

The weight of my coin pouch feels heavier now, a reminder of why I agreed to this madness in the first place. But even that doesn’t calm the knot of frustration sitting in my chest as I glance toward their table one last time.

Nope. Not leaving things like this.

With a deep breath, I straighten up and walk toward their table, tray in hand. The girl is still there, standing way too close to Lorien, her eyes fixed on him as she leans slightly forward.

Not today, I think, my steps quickening.

As I reach the table, I brush right past her without so much as a glance. My focus is entirely on Lorien, who looks up at me with slight surprise in his calm, steady gaze. Without a second thought, I lean down and kiss him—not a quick, fleeting peck, but not too long either. Just enough to make it crystal clear.

When I pull back, I meet his stunned expression with as much composure as I can muster. “I’m done,” I say, keeping my voice even. “Ready to go?”

For a moment, the table is silent. Veyron looks like he’s about to burst out laughing, Hrothgar raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment, and Kaida—well, I can see Kaida in the corner about to explode from pure delight.

Lorien blinks, his hand brushing his lips briefly before he nods, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah,” he says softly, standing up. “Let’s go.”

I turn without waiting for a response from the others, heading straight for the back room to grab my things. My heart is racing, but I force myself to keep walking, my head held high. Calm, Artemis. Stay calm.

Shade’s laughter echoes faintly in my mind. “Well, well. That was… unexpected. Bold, even. I’m impressed.”

“Shut up, Shade,” I think, though a small, satisfied smile creeps onto my face as I feel Lorien’s presence behind me.

Why did I do that? I think, pulling the ridiculous skirt off as I quickly change back into my normal clothes. That was so embarrassing.

The moment replays in my head—walking right up, ignoring the server, kissing Lorien in front of everyone. My heart races again just thinking about it. What was I even trying to prove?

“Well,” Shade says smoothly, breaking the silence in my mind, “if I had to guess, I’d say you were marking your territory. Very primal of you, Artemis. I approve.”

“I wasn’t marking anything,” I snap, tugging my shirt back on and shaking my head. “I don’t even know why I did it. It just… happened.”

“Uh-huh,” Shade replies, his tone dripping with amusement. “Sure. Let’s go with that.”

I finish dressing and sigh, leaning against the wall for a moment to collect myself. It wasn’t that bad, I try to convince myself.

But still, the embarrassment burns in my chest, and I can’t help but groan softly. This night needs to be over.

“You’ll live,” Shade says lightly. “And honestly? I’d say you made quite the statement. You might feel embarrassed, but I think a certain someone enjoyed it.”

I roll my eyes, grabbing my things. “Let’s just get out of here,” I think, pushing aside Shade’s commentary as I head back toward Lorien, ready to leave this chaotic night behind.

I step out of the back room, scanning the pub quickly for Lorien. My heart’s still racing, and Shade’s commentary isn’t helping. I feel like every single patron in this place is staring at me, even though I know they aren’t.

Lorien’s waiting near the door, calm as always, though there’s a faint flush in his cheeks. His eyes meet mine, and for a second, the chaos of the pub seems to fade.

“Finally,” Shade mutters in my mind, his voice dripping with amusement. “Look at him, standing there like a knight in shining armor waiting for his damsel. You’ve got him hooked, Artemis.”

“Shade, I swear—”

Before I can finish the thought, Lorien steps forward, his soft smile somehow grounding me. “You okay?” he asks, his tone gentle but with a hint of concern.

I nod quickly, tugging at the edge of my sleeve. “Yeah. Just… ready to leave. Let’s go.”

His smile widens slightly, and he gestures toward the door. “After you.”

As we step outside, the cool night air hits me like a splash of water, instantly clearing my head. The noise of the pub fades behind us, replaced by the distant hum of the city at night.

For a moment, we walk in silence, the tension from earlier slowly melting away. Then Lorien glances at me, his voice quiet but teasing. “So… what was that back there?”

I feel my face heat up instantly. “What was what?” I ask, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.

He chuckles softly, his hands slipping into his pockets. “You know. The kiss.”

I groan, covering my face with one hand. “I don’t know.”

Lorien stops walking, turning to face me fully. His expression is calm, but there’s a warmth in his eyes that makes my chest tighten. “You don’t have to be embarrassed about it, Artemis,” he says softly. “I didn’t mind.”

My breath catches, and for a moment, I can’t think of anything to say. Why does he have to be so perfect all the time?

Shade, of course, can’t resist chiming in. “Told you. He’s as smitten as they come.”

“Quiet, Shade,” I mutter sharply, my cheeks burning as I look away.

Lorien’s smile softens even more, and he starts walking again, his pace slow and easy. “Come on,” he says, his voice gentle. “Let’s get back to the others. They’re probably wondering where we are.”

I nod, falling into step beside him, my heart still pounding as I try to process everything that’s happened tonight. What a mess. But at least it’s over.

As we walk, my thoughts spiral, replaying the moment in excruciating detail. I groan internally. That was such a horrible idea. I barely feel comfortable doing that in private, let alone in front of everyone.

I glance at Lorien out of the corner of my eye. He’s walking beside me, calm and steady, like he’s completely unaffected. Meanwhile, I feel like my entire body is on fire from sheer embarrassment.

“Just pretend it didn’t happen,” I think to myself, tightening my grip on the straps of my gear. Yeah, that’s the plan. Just act normal, like it never happened.

Shade’s voice cuts through my thoughts, smooth and far too amused. “Oh, Artemis, you’re adorable when you’re flustered. But let’s be honest, there’s no way he’s forgetting that anytime soon. And neither are you.”

“Shade, I’m begging you. Not now,” I snap, keeping my eyes forward.

Lorien glances at me again, his soft smile never wavering. “You’re awfully quiet,” he says, his tone light but curious. “Everything okay?”

I force a nod, clearing my throat. “Yeah. Just… tired. Long night, you know?”

He chuckles softly, and the sound is so warm and genuine that it makes my chest ache. “I get that. But for what it’s worth… it wasn’t a bad night.”

“What do you mean by that?” I ask, glancing at him, my voice steadier than I expected.

Lorien meets my gaze, his expression calm but genuine. “Well,” he says softly, “it was just… enjoyable.”

I blink, my face instantly heating again. “Enjoyable?” I repeat, trying to wrap my head around his response.

He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck as he looks ahead. “Yeah. Being with you, even in a chaotic place like that… it’s always enjoyable.”

My steps falter slightly, and I feel my chest tighten in a way that’s equal parts overwhelming and confusing. Why does he always have to say things like that so easily?

Shade, of course, chooses now to chime in. “Oh, he’s smooth. Look at you—speechless. You should let him talk more often. It’s quite entertaining.”

“Well… I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I mumble awkwardly, my eyes fixed firmly on the ground ahead.

Lorien glances at me again, his faint smile never wavering. “I always do,” he says quietly, and the sincerity in his voice makes my heart race all over again.

This night just keeps getting worse for my nerves, I think, my cheeks burning as we continue walking.

“Aren’t you gonna ask what he thought of your outfit?” Shade asks, his voice dripping with amusement.

“I’m not asking him how I looked,” I mutter under my breath, keeping my eyes fixed on the ground as we walk.

Lorien’s voice interrupts before Shade can get another word in. “You looked great. Like always.”

I freeze. My eyes snap up to meet his, my face instantly heating as the words sink in. I said that out loud.

He’s looking at me with that calm, steady expression of his, but there’s a faint blush dusting his cheeks now, too. He rubs the back of his neck, his faint smile growing softer.

Shade’s laughter fills my mind, low and delighted. “Oh, this is priceless. You didn’t even mean to ask, and he still answered. Isn’t he perfect?”

“Shade, shut up,” I think furiously, though my heart is pounding so loud I’m sure Lorien can hear it.

I clear my throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure. “Uh… thanks,” I mumble awkwardly, glancing away.

Lorien chuckles softly, his voice warm and steady. “You don’t have to be embarrassed. It’s the truth.”

That only makes my face burn hotter, and I swear I can hear Shade laughing harder in the back of my mind. This night cannot end fast enough.

End of chapter 33