The docks of Berk.
Hiccup, Stoick, Snotlout, Astrid, and Shion—Snotlout’s mother—waited on the dock for their cousin and her father. A knot of anticipation tightened in Hiccup’s chest. It had been years.
After ten minutes, a blue Rumblehorn and a purple Nadder descended, landing with a thump on the weathered wood. “Brother, sister,” the man said, dismounting with a grin. He wore a blue tunic and sported a small, neatly trimmed beard. “I’ve missed you all. Stoick, Hiccup, you two have changed so much.”
“We’ve missed you too,” Stoick rumbled, returning the greeting. “It’s been years since we’ve seen you. You as well, Aby.” Shion stepped forward, offering a warm smile. They headed toward the Great Hall, a tide of greetings washing over them.
“Aby, you haven’t changed a bit,” Hiccup said, falling into step beside her. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Thank you, Hiccup,” she replied, her smile radiant. “You haven’t changed much either, and neither has Snotlout.” She hugged Hiccup and Snotlout, then turned her attention to Astrid, a curious gaze sweeping over her. “Ah. You two… Hiccup, you finally did it.”
Hiccup nodded, a blush creeping up his neck. “I did. Astrid is… well, she’s my betrothed.”
Astrid, usually so composed, felt her cheeks flush. She offered Aby a nervous smile. “Hi. Nice to meet you.” She managed a small wave. For a fleeting second, Aby’s expression flickered with something Astrid couldn’t quite place—surprise, perhaps?
“Wait,” Aby said, her eyes widening. She threw her arms around Hiccup, squeezing him tight. “You didn’t tell me! I’m so happy for you both.”
They walked through Berk, the afternoon sun warming their backs, talking easily. Aby was genuinely happy for Astrid and Hiccup, a genuine joy radiating from her. Astrid felt… unsettled. She didn’t understand why. She found herself watching Aby, drawn to her warmth, her easy smile. It wasn’t jealousy. Not exactly. It was something else, something she couldn’t name. A feeling that prickled beneath her skin, a silent question forming in her mind: *Why does her happiness feel… strange?*