The meal continued in a steady rhythm, each course arriving and disappearing as the evening stretched on. The tidecrawler's delicate flavors gave way to roasted game served with fragrant herbs and a light drizzle of spiced glaze, followed by a simple yet decadent dessert of honeyed fruit compote layered with soft cream.
Conversation ebbed and flowed between them, Luca's teasing remarks often drawing reluctant smiles from Elara despite herself. She found herself growing accustomed to his infuriating charm, though she remained wary of the way he seemed to navigate every topic with the precision of someone accustomed to never revealing too much.
