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Zephyra's POV

We were spared further conversation with Scottie and her date when the emcee took to the stage to talk about the schedule for tonight, which included numerous courses of food and a lot of mingling, followed by the silent auction and then dancing. A casual Friday night for billionaires.

Once everyone was seated, the first course was brought out. It was caviar, artfully dolloped on some fancy-looking lettuce leaves. I tried it because I’d never had it before, then did my best not to screw up my nose. I quietly panicked. Was it considered rude if I didn’t eat it?

Lirael’s thigh pressed against mine as he murmured in my ear, “Don’t eat it if you don’t like it. It’s an acquired taste.”

“Let me guess.” I tilted my face up to his. “You’ve acquired it?” He shrugged. “I wasn’t given much of a choice when I was a child.”

I looked down at the pile of shiny black fish eggs. “I can’t believe your parents gave this to you as a kid. I used to kick up a fuss when Mom made me eat my