It was the closest they’d come to discussing the realities of their inevitable end, and honestly as close as she wanted to get to the topic. She could add it to the growing list of things she didn’t want to acknowledge on their first, and possibly only, night out together. There was no use dwelling on what everyone knew, and it was silly to pretend she wasn’t already in deep enough for that knowledge to sting. Still, talking about the hurt before it occurred wouldn’t do anything to diminish it. She’d said goodbye enough times to know the memories could be either a balm or a burr, and she hoped that what they did tonight would eventually fall into only the former category.

Vic seemed to come to the same conclusion as she gave her another little squeeze before pulling back into herself. “Come on, let’s go eat some of the finest pub fare Northland has to offer.”

They strolled with forced casualness down the half block of long rowhouses until they reached a stone archway, and Vic nodded for Sophia to follow her into what looked like a cobblestone alley. The whole thing might have felt a little seedy if not for the light at the end of the tunnel giving way to a large patio, and beyond it that beautiful estuary they’d passed on the way into town. Still, she couldn’t tell where they were headed until Vic turned toward a low, unassuming door in the wall to their right.

“So, this is the Raven. It’s not much in the way of frills. No Michelin stars to brag of.”

“Are you trying to tell me we’re going slumming?”

Vic laughed again, and Sophia realised how much she’d missed that easy sound over the last two days. “Not hardly. I’m just saying you might need to brace yourself because, well, maybe it’s not what you’re expecting.”

Sophia arched an eyebrow. “I’m intrigued, but please don’t keep me in suspense.”

A wave of nervousness flashed across Vic’s features, but she nodded and swung open the door. She didn’t barge right through like she did around the castle. Instead, she stood in the entryway, so Sophia had to peek around her to get her first view of the place.

It took several seconds for her eyes to adjust to the dim light, low ceilings, and dark wood interior of the room. A long bar stretched across much of the opposite wall, and two stone fireplaces bookended the room. Every other available space sported small tables or low-backed booths with varying degrees of upholstery. She didn’t even notice the cluster of people sitting in the far corner until a cry of recognition went up among them.

“Vic!” they all called in unison.

“Good evening,” Vic said with a smile in her voice.