I order a round of drinks before I even start talking about the plan.
After what just happened in the arena, I need them relaxed. Veric most of all. The prince is still wound too tight—that restless energy you get after hours cycling between adrenaline, fights, and the real fear of losing someone.
For myself, I order Lunaria juice with a shot of alcoholic tonic.
The taste reminds me of Blood & Sand—that old Earth drink, whisky and orange juice. The tonic here delivers the same heavy warmth down the throat, but the Lunaria leaves a fresher acidity at the end, almost floral. Strangely pleasant.
Rhayne asks for water with a little straus.
The crushed plant lightly carbonates the liquid and cuts down that persistent metallic taste almost every water source in Thirstfall carries.
"I don't really like alcohol," she comments. "I'm not used to it."
Veric pays an immediate, suspicious amount of attention to that answer.
