Lucan sits near the couch with his lover, telling a story with exaggerated hand gestures.
"And then," he says smugly, "I simply didn't tell anyone."
Ace groans. "You hid your lover for two years."
Lucan shrugs. "I am an artist."
Ginny throws popcorn at his head. "You're a menace."
Darien smirks despite himself. "Standing up to your sister today was solid, though."
Lucan sobers, just a little. "Someone had to."
Earned and silent respect then settles between them. But not everything is light. Darien notices it in the gaps between laughter.
Lira is quiet. If not too quiet.
She sits perched on the arm of a chair, posture immaculate with a neutral expression. She hasn't gone to see Amias—who had to leave immediately for his sick mother—but she hasn't joined the party either. Her gaze keeps drifting. Lingering on Heidi and then flicking away.
