Chapter 25

As they sat down to eat dinner, Hazel eagerly picked up a crab leg and began to crack it open with a nutcracker, her eyes shining with excitement. She expertly extracted the meat and dipped it in the spicy sauce, her expression one of pure delight. She took a bite, and her eyes closed in rapture as the flavors danced on her tongue. Orion watched her the whole time, his gaze focused on her with an unhidden admiration. He seemed to be mesmerized by her enthusiasm and joy, his eyes never leaving her face. Hazel, however, eventually noticed that Orion wasn't eating, and her expression turned playful. "Hey, focus on your food!" she said, her voice teasing, as she gestured to his untouched plate.