Wait… are you actually serious?
I blinked at Leora, my heart skipping a beat. She had dropped the word so casually that it almost seemed like a joke. Marriage.
The thought alone felt like someone had taken a spark and set my brain alight. I should've been scoffing at her suggestion, brushing it off with my usual grumbling, but instead, I felt my face flush hot as an ember as the mental image of Aeliana in a wedding dress flitted through my mind.
Leora leaned forward, waving a hand in front of my face. "Earth to Ciara! I was just joking. No need to look like you're about to have a heart attack."
I swallowed, trying to ignore the ridiculous rush of adrenaline coursing through me. "I… well, yeah, obviously. Hilarious, really." I attempted to scoff, but it came out more like a nervous cough. "What makes you think I'm even thinking about marriage?"