The gentle clink of glasses echoed softly between them, wine sloshing lightly within crystal. Damien poured with a steady hand, offering her a glass with a crooked smile.
"Just one glass," he said, his voice softer now. "For your birthday."
Amara smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you."
They settled by the sitting area near the garden, the night air filtering in through the slightly open doors. Outside, the moon hung low and silver. A candle flickered gently on the table between them.
"So," Damien said, leaning back. "You spent your birthday here with us. You really didn’t want to go out at all?"
Amara shook her head, swirling her wine slightly. "Not really. I’m not used to going out for birthdays."
"Never?"
She offered a small, wistful laugh. "When you gr
