Julian's eyes drifted between focus and fog. He looked tired and lost. He'd been searching for me, I could tell. Now he blinked as if seeing me and Elena at the same time.
In a low voice he answered, "Alright."
I smiled, soft and bright. "Thanks, Julian. By the way, I haven't seen your mate. Where is Elena?"
At the name, something in him stirred. His gaze sharpened like dawn cutting mist. He wanted to say more, but the words stuck.
Camilla jumped in fast, all honeyed calm. "Aunt Riley, Elena was held up. It's late. Let's eat before the stew cools." She looped her arm through mine like she owned the space.
I slipped my arm free and stepped back to Lewis, letting the movement look natural. "Lewis, let's go," I said softly. I made my voice gentle around others. It made our bond seem real. It made us look close.
Lewis did not correct me. He let it be. Still, his eyes watched me cold, unreadable. When he looked at me, I felt exposed. He could see things others could not.
