Arietta's playful smile lingered like starlight in the dark, but Raven's serious expression dulled its glow.
"You're right," he said slowly. "It's about… my mortal love life."
Arietta's brow rose, but she didn't seem surprised. She merely sipped her tea and rested her cheek on her palm, her voice casual.
"So, you are in love with someone, huh?" She murmured, eyes narrowed—but not cold.
Raven nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. I just… I thought I should tell you because, uh, I didn't want to—"
"Lie?" She interrupted softly. "Raven, I've always known."
He blinked. "…What?"
Arietta set her cup down with a gentle clink. Her voice remained calm, but her eyes were glittering now—not with magic, but with something dangerously fond.
She was still sitting on his lap sideways, so their faces were mere inches apart.
"I always knew you were a mortal," she spoke, her breath trickling against Raven's skin.
The world stilled.
"Wait. You what?"
