"They did this for you," Tala said softly. All the teasing had gone out of her voice. "Actually for you."
"I didn't ask for it," I said.
"True," she agreed. "That's rather the point. I don't think they ever imagined you'd actually come."
I took another step forward, then stopped, keeping the distance I needed between us. Three pairs of eyes tracked the movement without anyone reaching toward me or closing the gap I'd left.
Kael took one small step—matching mine, not closing it.
"Ayla." My name came off his lips differently than it used to. Softer. Almost inviting. Not a command. It's not dismissal dressed up as acknowledgment. A shiver moved down my spine.
I didn't respond. But I didn't look away.
Ryker stood unusually still—no pacing, no crackling, restless energy looking for somew
