Later that evening, the moon hung lazily in the sky, casting silver light across the Windswept estate. The manor had quieted down—Lord Daren was reading in his study, Lady Alina had retired early, and Kael had (allegedly) gone to bed.
Zane stepped out onto the balcony connected to the guest room, enjoying the breeze. It smelled like sea salt and pine trees. Moments later, Sera slipped out, barefoot, carrying two mugs of something warm.
"Chamomile tea," she said, handing him one. "Mom insists it helps with digestion. Personally, I think it's just an excuse to make us sleep early."
Zane chuckled. "She definitely looks like the 'lights out by ten' type."
They stood there in silence for a moment, watching the stars. Sera leaned on the railing, eyes half-lidded.
"Thanks for coming with me," she said softly. "I know it's not easy, being in a stranger's house, especially mine."
Zane sipped his tea. "It's not so bad. Your brother wants to marry us, your mom wants to dissect me, and your dad is one grunted word away from tossing me into a sparring ring."
She snorted, covering her mouth. "Okay, that's fair."
Then Zane looked at her sideways. "You know... if I did propose right now, Kael would probably organize the wedding tomorrow."
Sera rolled her eyes but blushed. "Keep dreaming, shadow boy."
Before either of them could say more, the balcony door creaked open behind them.
"Heeey lovebirds..." came a sing-song whisper.
Kael peeked out, hair messy, eyes gleaming mischievously. He held what looked like a bucket in his hands.
Zane narrowed his eyes. "Don't even think about it."
Zane barely dodged. Sera yelped as a wave of cold water hit her legs. Kael cackled like a goblin and dashed off.
Zane sighed and offered his sleeve for Sera to wipe her leg. "You good?"
She shook her head, laughing now. "I swear I'm going to drown that little gremlin."
Zane grinned. "We'll take turns."
They stood there a little longer, drenched in moonlight and quiet amusement.
It was the kind of peace Zane hadn't realized he needed.