The following days were marked by a mix of chilliness and warmth between the couple. As Eleanor carefully brushed her hair, she looked at Ares' reflection in the mirror. He emerged from the bathroom in a robe and walked into the closet without a word.
She bit her lower lip and halted brushing. "You mentioned the ball is for the Luna of Celestia's birthday. Are you close to the royal family?"
"No... Well, in a way, yes. The Luna's son, the next alpha, is a close acquaintance of mine," he replied, dressing effortlessly.
"You actually have someone close to you besides Kaito?" Eleanor asked, scoffing in surprise.
"It's complicated," Ares said, emerging from the closet, impeccably dressed for the night. He gently took the brush from her hand.
"Stay away from him," he warned, his eyes serious. "He's more intense and unstable than I am. No one would want to miss having the last phoenix's blood."