The Ember and The Queen

Kai's POV

The chatter around the table blurred, fading beneath the grating sound of Edward's voice. He was trying-really trying-to charm the girls, laying it on thick with his travel stories, his European sense of humor, and that smug glint in his eye every time he turned to Rain.

But the girls? Not impressed.

He kept talking to Rain like we didn't even exist. Like this wasn't her table. Like I wasn't sitting right here.

Elisse and Nica had started to glance at me, noticing the way my jaw clenched with every hearty laugh Rain gave him. The way my stare probably bored a hole into Edward's temple.

"Tusukin mo na kaya, Kai, para mawala sa paningin natin 'tong hayop na 'to," Luna muttered darkly beside me.

"God, he's an eyesore," Elisse groaned, tossing her hair back in exasperation.

"Pag ito sinagot ni Rain-ewan ko na lang talaga," Solene whispered, her tone half-joking, half-despairing.

"Hayaan niyo na lang," I muttered, trying to keep my voice even-but even I didn't believe it.

Then my phone buzzed. Alleya.

"Hey-where you? Let's drink," her voice purred through the speaker.

"Let me wrap this up," I said, standing. "I'm at a birthday party. I'll pick you up in twenty-five."

"Okay, hon-hurry up. My throat is dry," she teased before hanging up.

Luna turned toward me, face lit with wicked glee. "Si Alleya ba 'yun?" She stressed the name like it carried nuclear weight.

I blinked. "Luna-"

"Diba nandito rin siya for cross-training?" she added, eyes cutting to Rain and Edward. I watched both of them still-Rain's fingers stopped fidgeting with her napkin.

Rain looked up. "Who's here too?"

Luna leaned back and smiled like a cat who'd just pushed a glass off the table. "Ahhh... Kai's girlfriend. Nandito rin pala for cross-training."

I almost choked on my drink.

As if she hadn't twisted the knife enough, Luna turned to Rain and added, "Rain, gusto mo ba siyang makita? Para ma-meet din natin siya?"

Rain's expression soured-just for a flash-but she was quick to recover. "Yeah. That's fine with me," she said, her voice perfectly calm, perfectly composed.

But I knew her.

That wasn't peace. That was a mask.

"Ayan! Ayos yan!" Luna declared with fake cheer. "Ano, sunduin na natin, Kai?"

I shook my head. "No-we'll catch up lat-"

Rain cut me off, her voice smooth but her eyes burning. "You can bring her here-para makilala din namin siya."

Then Nica chimed in, grinning like the devil herself. "Sige na, Kai. Dalhin mo na siya dito."

I hesitated. Contemplated.

Was this a good idea? Bringing Alleya there, in front of them-in front of Rain?

But fine.

"Okay. Let's go, Luna," I said finally, my voice level.

Luna squealed like she'd won the lottery. "Finally, I can meet her!" she chirped, practically skipping beside me. Then she turned to the girls and winked, "Ciao, girls-see you later!"

The drive to the hospital was quiet, save for the occasional hum from Luna, probably giddy at the chaos she just brewed.

When we arrived, Alleya was already waiting by the driveway, leaning gracefully against the railing in a form-fitting wine-colored dress that shimmered under the hospital's soft outdoor lights. She looked prepared-for what exactly, I didn't know.