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CHAP 144: The Little Surprise
{Elira}
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Cambria groaned but laughed, covering her face with one hand. "That's not how invitations work, Nari."
"It is now," Nari declared proudly, stabbing her fork into her mashed potatoes as if sealing the rule. "We will be Elira's plus-four. No dignitary in the world can top us."
Juniper muttered dryly, "Oh yes, the King will be trembling before the mighty Nari and her gang."
Nari gasped and clutched her chest. "Exactly. He should."
Even Tamryn gave a tiny snort at that, though she tried to hide it behind her glass of water.
I couldn't help it, I laughed. Truly laughed. The heaviness snapped slightly, letting the warmth seep through.
"Thank you," I whispered, so soft it almost vanished under the cafeteria noise.
They didn't need me to say more. Their smiles, wide, mischievous, and genuine, were enough.
Selene's voice hummed again, quieter this time, as if smiling with me. "See? Family."
