Chapter 97: Breakfast and Partners
The shadow that had fallen across the table belonged to none other than Ronan. His blonde hair caught the soft light filtering from the dining hall’s high windows as he grinned at them like a wolf caught mid-prank.
"Well, well, well," he said, his tone laced with easy amusent. "Did you guys think you could escape ?"
Brynhild chuckled while Lysander actually released an irritated sound like he could not believe Ronan was there with them though his hand still rested protectively on the handles of Brynhild’s wheelchair as if any movent might send her into harm’s way.
But Ronan wasn’t alone. Behind him ca Tobias, balancing a tray heavy with food. The sll drifted ahead of him, rich and savory, laced with spices Sophia couldn’t na but recognized from the kitchen’s hearth-fire.
They both carried their own plates. Ronan’s was piled high with roasted venison strips glazed with honey and herbs, a slab of dark bread, and a mug of spiced tea. Tobias’s plate was more modest but still hearty: slow-roasted boar, root vegetables, and a wedge of baked cheese with a sar of berry preserve.
Sophia found herself smiling despite the abrupt interruption. There was sothing about their presence that drew the attention of everyone nearby. Or perhaps it was Ronan himself because Tobias looked like he just wanted to sit and eat and not bother about the people surrounding him whose eyes followed them either way.
Sophia couldn’t help but be a bit happy that she was experiencing sothing like this. Their table had been a bit free, unlike many others in the hall. Benches stretched from one end of the hall to the other, each worn smooth by generations of pack mbers. People sat close, shoulders brushing, bowls and mugs passing down the line, laughter ringing like bells. Families gathered at one end; warriors grouped at another. The scent of wolf and woodsmoke and spice made Sophia’s nose tingle.
Ronan slid onto the bench opposite Brynhild, balancing his mug on the table between them "Room for two more?" he asked with a grin, not waiting for an answer. Tobias took the seat beside him, setting his plate down carefully.
Lysander shifted slightly to make space, his hand brushing Brynhild’s knee in a silent check. She patted his arm in reassurance.
Sophia tilted her head at Tobias. "It’s been a while since I’ve seen you," she said to him.
Tobias frowned like he could not believe it. "Really?" He asked her.
"Yes. The last ti I saw you was at the dical center." She told him.
"The ti you went to visit Orion." He said with a smile.
He rembered that day. Sophia and Orion had started arguing imdiately they had seen each other. He found it funny go be honest.
"Yes," she told him. "Where have you been?’
Tobias gave her a crooked smile, the silver glint of his earrings catching the light. "I’ve been...busy."
"Busy," Ronan echoed, his grin widening. "That’s one way of putting it." He reached for a strip of venison and tore it in half with his teeth, still speaking around the mouthful. "More like ’utterly distracted.’"
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Distracted?"
"Oh yes," Ronan said, leaning back like a cat with cream. "Our dear Tobias here has been so interested in won lately he barely rembers the rest of us exist."
Tobias blushed furiously. "When have I ever..."
"Don’t deny it now brother." Ronan said to him.
Tobias spared a glance at everyone gathered at the table and noticed how they were all staring at him with sudden, sharp interest. Even Brynhild’s blind eyes seed to sparkle with mischief, and Lysander’s mouth quirked in what might almost have been a smirk.
Sophia blinked. "Won? As in...plural?"
Ronan chuckled darkly. "Oh, he’s been quite the mystery. Late-night visits, secret errands, brooding walks under the moon..."
Tobias muttered sothing under his breath and stabbed at a piece of roasted boar on his plate. "It’s only one woman."
Brynhild tilted her head. "Is this about who I think it is?"
Lysander joined in, his voice calm but teasing. "Yes, I reckon so. Does this have anything to do with why you guys were late to the elders eting last night?"
"Maybe," Ronan said the sa ti Tobias spoke up with his fork halfway to his mouth. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."
Tobias groaned when he realized that was a mistake.
Ronan laughed outright. "He knows exactly what we’re talking about. Look at his face."
The table went quiet for a heartbeat. Tobias shot Ronan a glare but it didn’t have any heat in it.
"I’m just sharing the happy news to family," Ronan said innocently.
"So?" Brynhild pressed.
"Tell us what happened." Lysander said also interested.
Tobias sighed. "You all know it’s not like what you guys are expecting right?" He asked them.
"As long as there’s progress." Brynhild told him.
Tobias turned to her, desperation in his eyes. "Sophia, help out here."
She only smiled, biting into a piece of fruit she’d brought back. "Sorry, I’m curious now too. You never said anything about seeing anyone, Tobias."
"You’re supposed to be my friend," he said under his breath.
"I am," she said cheerfully. "Which is why I want to know."
Across from them, Ronan snorted into his mug. "Traitor."
Lysander sipped his water, watching Tobias with the faint amusent of a man who’d been on the receiving end of similar questioning in the past. "You might as well tell her. We all know who it is even if we don’t know what the good news or rather new developnt is."
Tobias looked around the table. Brynhild’s eyes were fixed in his direction, Ronan’s grin was as wide as a jokesters, Lysander’s expression mild but expectant, and Sophia’s curiosity practically vibrated from her. He was the only one still eating, the only one pretending the conversation wasn’t happening.
Slowly, he lowered his fork. The hall’s noise seed to fade into a dull roar, leaving only the weight of their gazes.
He released a huge sigh because he knew there was no way he was getting out of this without telling them everything. Funny how the only new developnt was that he had asked Sam to attend the festival with him.
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