For the first time since his own rejection, he felt a pang of something dangerously close to longing.
He shoved it down quickly, masking it with his usual calm exterior, offering Mara a small, respectful nod. “It’s good to finally meet you. Gavi hasn’t shut up about you since he found you.”
Mara blushed again, and Gavi laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “That’s because she’s worth talking about.”
Kaius forced a smirk, ignoring the lingering weight in his chest. “I’ll take your word for it.”
As the ceremony preparations continued, he focused on his role as a guest, celebrating his friend’s happiness while carefully pushing away the thoughts he had no interest in entertaining. He’d made his choice, and he’d moved forward.
Whatever was missing, whatever void still lingered inside
