Lorien POV

“Thanks again, Novalie!” I called, lifting a hand in farewell as the teenager jogged back toward the café. I hadn’t been allowed inside, but to my surprise, several people had wandered out to meet me. Among them was Novalie bright-eyed and talkative who pressed a to-go box with a warm pie into my hands.

I wasn’t entirely sure it was safe to eat, but Rion’s eager expression as he hovered near it told me everything I needed to know. If there had been anything suspicious ...