Chapter 19 – Outside Looking In

(Aurelle's POV)

Astria was a terrible liar.

She always had been.

So when I caught her stealing glances at Morana,trying to act indifferent, I knew exactly what was going on.

She was fighting something.

Something she didn't want to admit.

And it pissed me off.

Because for a long time, I was the one she looked at.

I was the one who knew her better than anyone.

And now?

Now she was looking at Morana like she was the only person in the room.

"You're thinking about her again," I said.

Astria tensed. "No, I'm not."

I tapped my fingers against the table. "Astria."

She exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "She's just—irritating."

I smirked. "Right. That's why you keep looking for her."

"I don't—"

"She's over there."

Astria's head snapped toward Morana and Hael so fast it made my chest ache.

Like she forgot I was even here.

And that hurt.

But I wasn't about to let it show.

Instead, I glanced at Hael— who was already looking at me.

His expression?

Smug as hell.

He knew something.

And so did I.

Astria wasn't mine anymore.

And maybe she never really was.

(Hael's POV)

Morana was glaring at me.

Which was fair, considering I hadn't stopped smirking.

"What," she muttered.

I chuckled. "Nothing. Just enjoying the view."

Morana scowled. "You're annoying."

"And you're obvious."

She tensed. "I am not."

I hummed. "Uh-huh. And Astria didn't just expose herself, either."

Morana turned toward Astria and froze.

Because Astria had looked at her.

Had reacted to her.

And I could tell—

Morana felt it.

Meanwhile, Aurelle?

She was watching Astria with this tight, unreadable expression.

I wasn't dumb.

She still felt something.

And if I had to guess, it wasn't just jealousy.

She wanted Astria to look at her like that.

But she never would.

And Aurelle knew it.

I dragged Morana toward them before she could argue.

And judging by the look on Aurelle's face…

She was expecting us.