Elara’s POV

I pulled the door open.

Alistair waited there, draped in burgundy silk sleepwear, his hair swept back with perfect precision. Citron lingered around him like expensive cologne. The tray in his hands carried ginger milk pudding, steam rising with sweet warmth. He studied my flushed cheeks and his mouth curved gently. "You look refreshed after your meal. I brought..."

"Come in." I stepped back, waving him inside.

I swear my hand acted without permission. My brain lagged behind completely.

The instant he entered, regret hit me. I shot a glance at Alistair.

People are hiding in here. He can’t tell, can he?

"Elara, want this now?" Alistair placed the dessert down and settled onto the mattress. When I hesitated, he beckoned me closer.

His expression stayed perfectly composed. But the scents hit him immediately upon entering—wolf, fish, and dragon emanating from the balcony.

"They arrived quickly. They claim love conquers fear. Elara, were your words genuine? If so... must I continue playing nice?" he thought.

His gaze lifted to mine, fingers pressing harder against the bedding.

"This tastes incredible," I said. "First attempt at making it?"

I’d completely forgotten about the figures crammed in the closet and beneath the bed.

"I’m dying here," Barrett muttered from his hiding spot.

"You promised to send him away immediately. Liar," Julian grumbled.

"Just bail now," Kaelen whispered.

"For you, I go the extra mile," Alistair replied. "I’ve also picked up some massage methods for your monthly cycle. I could assist if you’d like." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

My eyebrow arched. Something clicked.

Oh. He’s putting on a show too.

He hadn’t come for dessert delivery. Who left their shirt gaping like that? And his hair—deliberately tousled, perfectly arranged. Those legs...

I wonder what’s underneath that robe.

Alistair coughed when he caught me staring. "Well, enjoy it. I should probably..."

Another knock interrupted. My eyes widened.

Alistair asked, "Where do I..."

"Closet." The words escaped before I could think.

Barrett and Alistair locked eyes, both frozen in shock.

"General Barrett," Alistair said coolly. "Feeling chilly?"

He gave Barrett a sharp look before spinning away.

"I refuse to witness this. So calculated. Revolting."

Though he was already storing the strategy for future use.

Barrett smirked. "Look who’s talking."

Alistair wore nothing beneath his robe either.

The door swung open, silencing them both.

Finnian entered.

Unlike the others, Finnian came without theatrics. He wasn’t here to dazzle.

Plain sleepwear hung on his frame as he yawned carelessly and dove straight under the covers.

I blinked hard.

Wait. Is he planning to stay?

I was still processing how to clear them out when Dorian stumbled in, eyes heavy with sleep, and curled up near my feet.

Kaelen reached his limit. If he waited longer, no room would remain.

He emerged onto the balcony. I went completely still. My body locked up before I slowly turned to stare.

Kaelen stood there in blazing pink underwear. I nearly choked on the pudding.

Who convinced him to wear those? They’re actually sparkling. Like gems.

Kaelen clenched his jaw and stretched out on the opposite side, keeping the center vacant—an unspoken truce with Finnian.

"I’m fairly certain this is my bedroom," I said.

From beneath the mattress, Julian announced, "Well, since we’re all gathered, mind if I join?"

He wiggled free and slithered toward the headboard. There they arranged themselves—Finnian to my left, Kaelen to my right, Julian near the pillows, Dorian at my feet.

The final two abandoned all pretense. Barrett transformed into his animal shape and nestled in the remaining corner.

Alistair said, "Elara, shut your eyes briefly."

I wanted to refuse.

Eyes. Stay open.

Absolutely not.

Alistair compressed into his snake form and disappeared into my pocket. When I looked again, a tiny serpent with a pointed head peeked out.

My skin prickled.

Stay calm. That’s your husband. He’s adorable. He’s adorable. He’s adorable!