Charmaine's POV
Lily's excited chatter fills the air, "Mum, I had the best time today! We played with blocks, and I made a castle, and Mrs. Jenkins read us a story..." She babbles on, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.
I smile absently, my mind elsewhere. I'm not really listening to Lily's words, my thoughts consumed by the life I've chosen. I'm too busy thinking about Marcus, about the mating ceremony, about the future that lies ahead. I feel like I'm sleepwalking through this conversation, my responses automatic.
I move around the kitchen, mechanically making tea, washing plates, and preparing dinner. Lily continues to chat, but I'm not really hearing her. My mind is a jumble of emotions, my heart heavy with uncertainty. I feel like I'm trapped in a never-ending cycle, with no escape.
