ARIANA
I didn’t touch the stew again. Even after Gabriel had the guards take it away, I could still smell it — faint herbs I didn’t recognize, mixed with fear.
The noise in the hall felt louder now. Forks clinking. Laughter. Whispers. I hated it.
I didn’t want to cry in front of everyone, so I stood up slowly, trying not to draw attention. But I could still feel Lila’s eyes on me, even from across the room. Like she was waiting for me to fall.
I didn’t give her that. I walked out of the dining hall without looking back.
Gabriel didn’t follow me right away. I was glad. I needed a moment to breathe.
Once I reached the long corridor outside, I leaned against the wall, heart pounding. My hands were still shaking. The idea that I could’ve eaten it — that I could’ve died, and they wouldn’
