The celebration had passed without Irene. Thanks to Valeria’s warnings, Elara hadn’t dared to ask anything about this surprise party.
Since it was entirely last-minute and hadn't gone as expected, Elara and Fenrik decided to leave around midnight.
Valeria was left alone to tidy up.
"It’s actually for the best if we clean up and head back too," Lucian said calmly. Valeria agreed. As they moved quickly to clear the mess, Lucian asked again quietly, "Weren’t there things you wanted to ask?"
Yes, there were many things she wanted to ask now. "I suppose there are. I won’t be able to sleep if I don't get answers tonight; what do you say we stay until the morning roll call?"
Lucian smiled and nodded as if he had been expecting this. They tossed the cushions they had gathered back onto the fl
