[Leif's POV—ThorenVald Estate—Continuation]
Thalein kept talking. Alvar kept listening. And I… kept standing there like a ghost someone forgot to exorcise.
"…and if we infuse the Trivium core stone—"
"That will stabilize the black wood?" Alvar finished calmly.
"Yes!! Exactly—how did you know—"
Their voices blurred together. Because right now, standing beside them, smiling like I belonged… I had never felt more like an outsider in my own life.
Thalein clapped his hands suddenly. "Oh! And by the way—you two are getting married next week! Congratulations!!"
My breath stalled.
Alvar froze.
Thalein didn't notice the shift. He beamed brightly. I curled my lips into something that vaguely resembled a smile. "Thank you…"
It felt like lying with my own teeth.
I held out my hand. "Let me inspect the wood. And… I'd like more information about it."
"Of course!" Thalein chirped, handing it over. "I can send a sample to the elf village for research if you want!"
