After relaxing on the sun terrace and giving Chiara and Ajax space to resolve their issues, Aila and Damon re-entered the dining room. The Gamma and shapeshifter were sitting comfortably without a heavy silence or awkward atmosphere between them now. Ajax seemed like his usual self as he smiled broadly at the Alpha, who ignored him and looked to be mind-linking Chiara. Most likely checking in to see if she was okay.
Aila glanced at Ajax, but his eyes were set on Chiara. She refrained from smiling as she watched Chiara's cheeks blush on her otherwise impassive expression as she responded to Damon's mind-link. Aila sat down on a chair as the remaining group entered the room; all were there except for Gabriel, who seemed to always be busy. It reminded her of Cassius, who was always busy. She wondered how much of Gabriel's absence and Cassius' influence affected the vampire empire.
