Page 147 of The Moonborn's Curse

Seren had blushed.

Ana raised a single eyebrow that said "bless" without a word.

And Ryn had looked like someone had handed her a doctoral thesis on mop storage.

As they slipped into jackets, Ana tossed her golden curls over one shoulder. "Drinks. Time to celebrate surviving another week in hell."

Ryn gave a grunt that might've meant yes—or a threat to eviscerate. It was hard to tell.

Mira was off meeting her fox-boyfriend for some "moonlit cuddles," which made Ana gag dramatically.

Three pubs later, Seren was tipsy.

Two drinks in and the world began to wobble gently, like it had loosened a belt and sat down too fast.

Ana was mid-dance on a table, legs flashing under a shimmering gold top, thong visible every time she spun.

The crowd loved it.

Ryn dragged her down with a sharp, "This is not that kind of establishment."

Seren laughed so hard she nearly tipped her drink watching their back and forth.

Eventually, they made it to Ana and Ryn's shared flat with yet another bottle of Demonbrew. A beautiful old brick building with rust-coloured creepers curling up the sides. Inside, the walls were mismatched, cosy, and full of chaotic charm.

On the couch, curled up with blankets, shot glasses and leftover fries, the conversation got heavier.

They talked about heartbreak. About pasts.

Seren told them, haltingly, about Hagan. About the bond. The goddess. The severance.

Ryn, unusually serious, muttered, "Your wolf-boy is a bloody idiot."

Ana just shook her head, all softness gone. "No one should get to feed on you and starve you at the same time. Fuck him."

"With an oversized dildo in the arse," Ryn deadpanned.

"Too much for little ears, Ryn" Ana joked, widening her golden eyes as she pretended to close Seren's ears.

Ryn flipped her off while sipping from her glass.

Ana sighed, "Why am I surprised? You're literally named after a death prophecy."

Seren blinked. "Wait—what?"

Ryn sighed. "I'm Forsjá. Third raven of Odin. My brothers got picked. I didn't. My parents did not take that well. I will forever be a disappointment."

"Can you turn into a raven?"

"Yes."

"Do it!"

"No."

Ana sipped her drink, then said quietly, "I'm a god's gift. Literally. Prize, technically. But... I was still currency. I want to choose who I f—" She caught herself, then smirked. "Let's just say, I want a say."

She swirled her drink lazily, eyes hooded, voice unusually sombre.

---