The Aron brothers stood there, blinking, still trying to wrap their heads around what they had just witnessed.
Esme, always serious and composed, had laughed—a real, genuine laugh they didn't think she was even capable of. Ray's comment about her mer companion had come at just the wrong moment, and whatever lightness Esme had shown disappeared like a candle blown out too soon.
"You two seem like good friends," Ray said, misinterpreting the scene entirely, his face lighting up with innocent curiosity.
Esme's laughter died so abruptly it was almost painful to watch. She turned toward Ray, her smile still in place, though it had become brittle and a little too tight.
"Yes," she said, her voice sugary sweet, "best friends."
Ray's jaw twitched, his gaze flickering between Esme and the mer. His brothers remained equally still, their previous amusement now tinged with something far less friendly.
