Ace's smile was the first to break it, slow and genuine, like dawn cresting over the horizon. "That's perfectly fine with me," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine.
Ray stretched his arms behind his head, his grin lazy but sincere. "Sure. It'll make the trip to Thunoa Village more entertaining."
Ann, however, hesitated. Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course, Lady Ovelia," she said, but there was a weight to her words, a shadow flickering behind her usual composure. It made my chest ache. Was she reluctant? Had I overstepped?
But then Ace shifted beside me, his shoulder brushing mine in silent reassurance, and the doubt eased. They were willing. They wanted me to know them, too.
The realization sent a thrill through me, bright and effervescent, like the Meadowlarks taking flight.
Ray's POV
