Winona stepped out of the meeting room with the planner’s folder tucked under her arm. The woman had filled it with sketches, samples, and notes from their discussion. Winona kept flipping the cover open while she walked, her thumb lingering on the small swatches taped inside. Some ideas looked promising, but she caught herself wishing Ares had been there to give a quick nod—or one of his quiet, pointed comments.

Earlier, during the food tasting, Ares had been there, sampling each dish ...