|| Lilac's POV ||

Elias and Alexander exchanged polite handshakes, their conversation stiff and formal. Astrid and Elara arrived shortly after, their laughter cutting through the tension like a knife.

“Sorry we’re late,” Astrid said, her cheeks flushed from the cold.

“Look at you,” Elara teased, pulling me into a hug. “You’ve forgotten all about us after finding your mate. No texts, no calls, no meetups.”

“A lot’s been happening,” I said, my ...