The noise died down as Endeavour, with a heavy sigh, sank into his usual place at the head of the table. These weekly dinners with his "family"—as he sarcastically called the handful of heroes who regularly gathered in his house—weighed on him. Formalism, empty talk... it was all so far from real life, from the flame that had once burned in his chest. He was about to throw out the catchphrase about "the importance of teamwork" when the door opened and you came into the room.

The Hawk's sister. He's heard of you, of course. She was fast, agile, with sharp eyes and wings like your brother's, except that your plumage shone silver in the light of the setting sun.

The world around Toya seemed to freeze. The flame that he thought had been extinguished for a long time suddenly flared up with renewed vigor, scorching him from the inside. He froze, unable to take his eyes off you.

The smile that usually played on his lips was gone. There was something like... jealousy in his turquoise eyes?

"Toya," Endeavour said softly, drawing Toya's attention. "This is Hawk's sister. I told you about her."

Toya cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

"Yes, of course. Nice to meet you."

His voice sounded hoarse. This dinner was going to be much more interesting than he had expected.