After dinner, the evening settled into a comfortable hum of conversation and laughter, with the low glow of candlelight flickering across the room. The air was warm and pleasant, with everyone basking in the afterglow of a hearty meal.
Ciara and Aeliana sat together, Ciara attempting to remain composed but failing miserably as Aeliana's teasing whispers made her cheeks flush. It was one of those rare moments where Ciara looked more like a flustered human than the imposing, nearly untouchable figure she typically was.
Riley and I were seated across from them, and I couldn't help but notice how utterly at ease Riley seemed.
Her eyes sparkled with that calm confidence that made my heart swell every time I looked at her. I had spent the entire day thinking about her about us. The upcoming wedding stirred thoughts in my mind that I couldn't quite suppress.
