“Yes, it was difficult for me.” The words are practically a whisper, like she’s afraid of admitting even this tiniest of vulnerabilities. She swallows, and my attention drags across her throat, my blood heating. “Many days it still is. There are still many secrets, as you say, that I’ve yet to uncover about myself and my magic.” Her brows furrow, like she doesn’t know why she’s saying this.

“If you wanted to train together, I’d welcome that. Whatever secrets we uncover, I’ll take to my grave.” There I go again, speaking words I’ve hardly thought about before they cross my lips. I’ve always been impulsive, but being around Laurel unlocks a whole new level of rash behavior. “My magic feels new to me all over again with the strength of the aether here. It requires more finesse than I’m used to. I’m sure there’s much I could learn from you. And maybe the Shining Prince can teach you a thing or two.” I give her a grin, and this time she blushes. Those pink cheeks set my skin on fire, and I wrap my arm tighter around her. She doesn’t pull away.

The dance ends too soon, and she gives me a slight bow. “Thank you for the offer. I’ll consider it, Hawthorne.”

An involuntary and genuine smile breaks out across my features when she drops my title, using only my name. It’s a small gesture, but one that makes something in my chest dance with excitement. I bow deeply and drag myself away from her side, telling myself the energy I feel is only because I’m finally making progress in my mission here. If I can get her to train with me, I might get answers out of her. That’s all the dancing butterflies in my stomach mean.

Several more females and even a bold human woman approach me for dances, and I agree to them all, charming them with winks and grins that feel hollow. I play my part well, keeping all the attention in the room on me to distract from my missing entourage. It’s a role I know too intimately, used to keeping up the persona of the Shining Prince in the Velmaran court. It’s never felt comfortable, but tonight it makes my skin crawl more than usual, especially each time my eyes catch Laurel watching me while I dance or flirt with another.