Lirael's POV

“It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Wright,” Zephyra said, her own smile far warmer than Mom’s.

“Good to see you again, Zephyra,” Raphael said, his lips curved into a smirk.

Nathan just nodded, his gaze coolly assessing as he watched Zephyra sit gracefully in the chair I had pulled out for her. But then, that was the way Nathan looked at everyone.

I took a seat between Zephyra and Mom, who took a sip from her teacup and delicately set it on the saucer. “So, Zephyra, ...