Page 88 of Savage Empire
“For the record,” Cassio speaks up. “I can confirm their interpretations of the night. My father is not upset with you. I believe he’s quite upset with Melani, which is challenging for him. Mila and Valerio mean a great deal to him, so he’s come to think of Melani quite fondly over the years. That has become more difficult now.”
I swallow, unsure how to reply.
“Let’s brighten the mood, shall we?” Jade asks, sensing my discomfort.
“Good idea,” Ana agrees. “How shall we liven this gathering up?”
My mind goes blank, no suggestions popping up. Fortunately—or unfortunately—I don’t need to come up with anything.
“Looks like we’ve arrived just in time.” I almost jump out of my skin at the sound of Apollo’s voice.
I hadn’t even heard him come in. And normally when he comes by, Yordan is by his side and stomping his way through the door with his heavy steps. This time, my brother is as quiet as a mouse, grinning like he’s just pulled off some kind of stealth mission.
“Heyyy, now it’s a party,” Jade greets them happily. “How was training today?”
“Great,” Yordan chirps, grinning happily. “I sparred with Matteo and pinned himtwice.”
Apollo smirks. “And he was none too pleased about it.”
“Are you happy that your protégé got a couple of wins or that he got the upper hand on our dear brother?” Cassio asks, arching a brow.
“Can’t it be both?”
Laughing dryly, Cassio huffs. “Congratulations on your improvement, Yordan. Matteo is a tough fighter.”
“Thank you,” my brother replies, chest puffing out with pride.
“He should spar with Ivan next,” Dmitri comments, looking suspiciously smug. “I do not think he would fare so well.”
Jade tsks at him. “Poor Matteo is catching strays and he’s not even here.”
Apollo chuckles. “Isn’t it fun?”
“Hey, sis,” Yordan says, coming over to greet me properly. He gives me a half hug and I grimace, pushing him away.
“Ick,” I grimace, nose scrunching. “Take a shower, you stink.”
“That’s my progress smell, Rayna. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Beautifully horrid,” I quip, brushing off the bit of sweat he left behind on my arm. “Since when don’t you shower before you come home? Apollo’s car seats must be wilting.”
“I had to come home to tell you,” he insists, eyes full of excitement. “I’m not feeling the love, Rayna. Do I need to give you another hug?”
“Boys are gross.” I shake my head. “I can be proud of you and not want to be subjected to your stink. Go wash off and I’ll hug you after.”
He rolls his eyes. “Fine, I’ll go shower but you better not talk about me while I’m gone. You’re supposed to be making friends,you know? I can’t always be the topic of conversation you use to avoid opening up.”
I reach out and smack his stomach with the back of my hand, surprised to find it hard with new muscle. “Don’t embarrass me.”
“Now what kind of a little brother would I be if I didn’t embarrass you from time to time, hmm?”
“Go before I embarrassyou.”
His eyes widen at the threat. “I’m going, I’m going, sheesh.”
As he disappears up the stairs, I return my gaze to the group and find Jade looking at Apollo.
“Rayna made special treats for the twins,” she tells him, smiling wide. “Little cake balls with low sugar. They were perfect. Wasn’t that nice of her?”
