The room was silent.
Virellen's grin had vanished, fading into a stunned stillness that matched the other three. Even the warm lamplight seemed to hesitate, flickering against the tension that clung to the air.
He said it.
Alaric had said it without hesitation—Yes. I'm jealous.
Aurevia's lips parted slightly, crimson eyes wide. Cellione had frozen mid-breath, and Serineth's cup tilted dangerously before she caught it with trembling fingers.
The door shut gently behind him.
"…Did that really just happen?"
Virellen whispered after a long pause, blinking rapidly.
"He's never said it that clearly before,"
Cellione murmured, cheeks flushed.
"Like, straight-up jealous. Out loud."
Aurevia's hand went to her collar.
"He's getting bolder,"
She said softly, but there was a quiet pride in her tone.
"Not just as our Master—but as himself."
Serineth gave a small smile behind her teacup.
"It made my heart skip."
Virellen sighed dramatically, but her smirk returned.
