"I do not-" Jace caught himself, then shrugged with admirable self-awareness. "Okay, but you have to admit that horse was way bigger up close."
Elizabeth, to her own evident surprise, laughed. Just for a second. Then her face snapped back to its prior state of studied indifference.
Midnight, perched on Liam's shoulder, let out a tiny chuff of agreement, then snuck a claw toward his plate, snagging a morsel of egg. Liam allowed it. It would have been a losing battle anyway.
Rogue, apparently hoping to salvage some dignity, squared up his posture and declared, "Fine. I'll catch the biggest one. Somebody has to be the alpha."
Mirra coughed gently. "I don't think that's how horses work."
Fridge, staring up from the ground, contributed a helpful, "Neigh," in a voice that was a perfect imitation of a haunted barn.
Everyone, including Liam, paused to absorb this. Fridge looked pleased.
