AT BREAKFAST, THE GIRLS received their portion of a green, goopy soup with a spongy bread on the side. Fari sat down at the far end of the table away from Akshara, giving her the space that she had asked for.
But Akshara couldn’t eat, so she just stared at it instead. And then stared at Fari, who tried not to return her gaze. But Akshara could see that she was struggling. So, she groaned and carried her bowl over to sit next to the girl.
“This is only for today,” Akshara said.
Fari nodded and dipped her spoon into the bowl, stirring it slow.
Priestess Janara came over and whispered something in Fari’s ear. Fari set her spoon down and got up to go with the priestess.
“Akshara, you are to come with me too. I want you to see this so you can help Fari get dressed in the morning if she nee
