Grace POV

Evening falls over Stellarnight.

Ethan left an hour ago. Maybe some pack business he couldn't avoid.

He'd kissed my forehead before leaving, promised to return soon.

Now I'm alone.

Or I would be, if Alice hadn't found me.

"Grace!" She appears in the hallway, bright and cheerful. "Come have dinner with me. I hate eating alone."

The invitation is warm. Genuine.

"I'd love to."

We head toward the dining room together. Alice chatters ...