Chapter 26 The Distance In His Laughter

• The morning sun filtered through the trees, dappling the forest path with golden light as Mixarnt handed Aelries a plate of perfectly cooked eggs and roasted potatoes.
• “Morning, princess,” he teased, his usual grin in place—but something was different. The playful glint in his eyes had dulled, replaced by a careful neutrality. “Eat up. After this, we’ll keep searching for that moonlight flower.”
• Aelries accepted the plate with a soft “Oh… right,” her fingers brushing his for the briefest moment. Mixarnt immediately pulled away, turning back to the fire to pack up camp.