An hour later, Emerald sat across from Rick at the elegantly arranged dinner table, her stomach churning with anxiety. The small vial was tucked safely in the hidden pocket of her dress, its weight feeling heavier than lead against her hip.
Rick smiled at her warmly as he served her plate. "You look beautiful tonight, Emerald. That dress suits you perfectly."
"Thank you," she replied, forcing a smile in return. His behaviour was still so strange, so different from the Rick she knew. Every kind word and every gentle gesture made her feel more unsettled.
"Do not let his softness weaken you," Viola murmured inside her mind. "This is the same man who broke you, who left scars that never healed. Do not be fooled by his mask."
"I've been thinking about our future," Rick continued, cutting into his meat. "About the mating ceremony we never had. I know I ruined it the first time, but I'd like to do it properly this time. With your permission, of course."
