The Moonlight Chalice — the guild’s favored tavern — was overflowing with life.

  Lanterns swayed lazily from thick timber rafters, casting warm pools of gold across packed tables. The scent of spiced ale, roasted meats, and sweetbread drifted through the air. A bard in the corner plucked a bright, lively tune on his lute, and every so often, the patrons would clap along.

  When Team Argent stepped through the doorway, the entire tavern seemed to surge with noise.

  “To Team Argent!” someone shouted, and mugs slammed against tabletops in raucous approval.

  Lira beamed instantly, already flushed with excitement.

  “If they keep this up, they’ll drink all the ale before we even order.”

  Kael snatched a passing mug from a tray with casual confidence.

  “Then we better catch up.”

  Ronan’s smile was subtle but genuine. He inclined his head toward Eis.

  “You’re the reason they’re toasting. Try to look like you’re enjoying it.”

  Eis met his gaze with calm neutrality.

  “I am.”

  Kael snorted.

  “That’s her enjoying it face?”

  Lira leaned closer to him, whispering — loudly enough on purpose.

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  “You’ll know she’s smiling when you’re still alive after a fight like that.”

  Kael immediately lifted his mug.

  “In that case, I’ll shut up and drink.”

  A slight, fleeting curve touched Eis’s lips — but for the people who knew her, it was practically a grin.

  Hours slipped by under warm lantern light.

  Kael’s story about the ley sentinel had somehow evolved to include three of them.

  Lira loudly challenged him on the count, smacking his arm with the back of her hand.

  Ronan sat at the edge of the table, listening with quiet amusement as their stories became increasingly dramatic.

  Eis remained quieter, her attention drifting between the fire and the group’s lighthearted chaos.

  Across the room, Ronan watched her with a steady, unreadable expression. When she glanced his way, he lifted his mug in a silent toast.

  Eis returned it without hesitation.

  By the time the tavern began emptying, Kael was slumped forward on the table, mumbling incoherently about “just one more”—though Lira was half-laughing as she scolded him and tried to keep him upright.

  Ronan helped her steady him, then turned to Eis as the final patrons drifted into the street.

  “We should all get some rest,” he said, voice low. “Tomorrow won’t be as kind.”

  “The debrief,” Eis replied.

  “And whatever comes after.” He paused, eyes softening with something like amusement.

  “You should keep drinking with us. It suits you better than bleeding for the world.”

  Eis looked down at her empty mug. A faint smile lingered on her lips.

  “I’ll think about it.”

  With that, the night finally began to wind down — laughter fading, lanterns dimming, and the warm hum of victory settling comfortably around them.