"Just some local wildlife that triggered Maison's hypervigilance," Jackson added with a teasing smile that earned him a glare from his brother.
"Better cautious than complacent," Maison retorted, though without real heat.
I watched their familiar bickering with new eyes, seeing the deep bond beneath the competitive surface. For all their differences, they moved in synchrony, automatically accommodating each other's presence in the small kitchen.
"We should prepare for tonight's meeting," Uncle Mateo said, entering from the sitting room where he'd apparently been reviewing more scrolls. "Lady Vivienne will expect a formal presentation."
"Formal?" I echoed, glancing down at my borrowed clothes. "I don't exactly have royal attire."
Luna Mara's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Actually, y
