"You still mad about it?" Theo asked, nudging Kael in the side as they walked past a string of glowing festival lanterns.
The evening was still young, and the city hummed with a deceptively peaceful energy.
Kael didn't look at him. "No."
Jarik snorted. "That was the most unconvincing 'no' I've ever heard. You're practically radiating grumpiness."
"She also committed theft," Kael countered, his voice flat.
"Minor theft," Theo said, grinning. "More like theatrical borrowing. It's not like she actually kept it."
Kael sighed, rubbing his temples. "Why are you two like this?"
"Because you're too easy to mess with," Jarik said, clapping him on the shoulder with a heavy hand. "Also, I think she likes you."
Kael almost choked on his drink, sputtering. "What?! She's cleary crazy!"
"I'm serious," Jarik continued, thoroughly enjoying Kael's discomfort. "That look she gave you when you finally caught up? That's interest if I've ever seen it. She clearly enjoyed the chase."
