They settled onto benches near Gerald’s elevated platform, Rienna positioning herself strategically so Lyralei ended up between her and Kessa. The others arranged themselves across the table, completing their little circle.
“So,” Kessa said the moment they were seated, leaning close with eager eyes. “Is it true? Can you really summon portals?”
“And your marks,” Maren added, her voice dropping to an excited whisper. “They glow gold and silver?”
Tove nodded enthusiastically. “We heard you commanded an Alpha. Like, actually forced him to obey you.”
The questions came fast, overlapping each other, and Lyralei felt a headache building behind her eyes. She’d had enough of this conversation for one lifetime.
“Yes,” she said shortly, reaching for an empty plate. “It’s all true, i guess.”
Her
