Behind her, the shadows of Raiden and Norella merged on the pavement, stretching long and indistinct. The two slowed their pace until their shadows overlapped completely. A slender arm slipped through Raiden’s and Norella leaned in, pressing a kiss shyly to his cheek.
Raiden’s breath hitched, his pulse quickening at the touch.
When Astrella reached home, she turned abruptly, only to catch sight of Raiden’s flushed face. His ears and neck had turned a deep shade of red and a flicker of discomfort crossed his features.
Reaghan was sprawled on the couch, munching on a burger and fries, the TV blaring in the background. He barely glanced up as Astrella entered before grabbing a can of iced cola and drinking it down without a care.
Raiden walked past them without a word, calling his son into the bathroom as he did.
Left alone in the living room, Astrella and Norella stood in silence.
Norella slipped off her coat, revealing a new dress beneath, her gaze sharp and mocking.
“This,” she said with a smile, “was bought for me by Raiden. He said I looked great in it. Tell me, has he ever bought you anything like this?”
Of course not.
The thought echoed silently in Astrella’s mind.