BRIAR’S POV
We sit outside under the shade of a large tree on a mat big enough to fit the three of us. The setting is beautiful, but I’m distracted. My mind keeps replaying Tavian’s last words. I’ve moved past the shock and terror, now in the phase of acceptance.
“Briar…” Eli calls to me, lifting up a forkful of cake to my lips with a smile on his face.
I open my mouth and take a bite without thinking too much of it, chewing.
“How is it?”
“It’s delicious,” I feign interest.
In actuality, I can’t taste right now. All my senses are focused elsewhere, leaving me only partially present to what’s going on around me.
He responds with a satisfied grin that stings at my heart, filling me with guilt for pretending to enjoy any of this. I can’t shake off the pain in my chest for his sake.
