Mara's breath hitched gently, heart fluttering softly, warmth gently pulling her toward peaceful sleep. "Good."
From the hallway hidden behind the ornate wooden screen that framed the edge of the infirmary like a decorative afterthought two very small, very wide-eyed spies were frozen in place, faces squished dramatically against the cool marble wall, holding their breath like champions in a clandestine tournament of silence.
Aeris blinked twice. Slowly. Dramatically. Her small hands were clenched into tiny fists of absolute excitement.
Arion, crouched beside her like a shadow with wildly messy hair and a twig somehow tucked behind his ear (because why not), leaned in close and whispered, "They kissed."
"I saw it," Aeris whispered back, breathless. "Like in Mama's drama books."
Arion's mouth fell open with the weight of pure revelation. "You think they're in love?"
