Yara descended the creaking stairs of the inn, the faint scent of ale and stew lingering in the air. The wooden railing was warm under her hand, polished smooth recently if the scent of the varnish was anything to go by. Her gaze flicked to Val ahead of her, his broad shoulders relaxed but his stride purposeful. Sky's voice carried softly between them as they discussed the strange phenomenon Sky had mentioned earlier.
Sky's voice broke through her thoughts. "—and I swear it was staring right at me, Val. Some kind of glowing… thing. I didn't imagine it!"
Val sighed, his tone sharp but not unkind. "It was probably a trick of the light, Sky. You get spooked too easily."
"I do not!" Sky protested, his voice rising in mock indignation. "Anyway," he added slyly, a grin curling his lips as he glanced back at Yara. "Am I not the best brother in the world for giving your stubborn ass the chance to make your move?" His tone was a mix of teasing and pride.
