TWO WEEKS LATER
The soft clink of silverware echoed in the quiet dining room, followed by the faint rustle of fabric as Maren laid a fresh plate in front of Jenna. The scent of honey-roasted root vegetables and spiced lamb wafted into the air, warm and inviting but Jenna barely noticed.
She stared blankly at the plate, the weight of silence pressing against her shoulders.
“You haven’t eaten all day,” Maren said gently, nudging the plate a little closer. “You’ll make yourself sick again.”
Jenna blinked. “Sorry. I just… forgot.”
Maren frowned but didn’t press. She sat across from her, folding her hands neatly on her lap, the soft amber light from the chandelier making the room feel too warm, too calm. It didn’t match the uneasy curling in Jenna’s stomach.
“Is something wrong?” Maren f
