EMBER
I felt out of place in the private dining hall. Azai sat at the head of the long table like a king on his throne, his long black hair shining, his crimson eyes fixed on the parchment in his hand. Deonne sat gracefully to his right in her pristine white robes. I took the seat across from her, as far from Azai as the table allowed.
I couldn't look at him.
Every time my gaze even drifted near his face, Liora's words sliced through me again.
My stomach churned restlessly. Bile rose in my throat, but I forced it down and reached for the food instead.
There were roasted meat, warm bread, and spiced vegetables. Everything smelled divine.
I shovelled it in without tasting it, bite after frantic bite, as if eating fast enough could outrun the guilt digging into my insides.
"Ember," Deo
