CHAPTER 238
KATYA POV
I didn't move. For a moment, I wasn't sure I could. Lila's words hung in the air like smoke that refused to clear, thick and choking, curling around my chest until breathing felt optional.
Adelasia's name echoed in my head, over and over, each repetition heavier than the last.
Just like Miss Adelasia. The kitchen felt colder. Not physically—but the warmth I'd grown used to, the background comfort of clattering pots and low voices, had drained away completely.
What was left was a room full of people who suddenly looked at me like I was something dangerous.
Or cursed.
I stared at Lila, my mouth opening, closing again. No sound came out. It was like my body hadn't caught up to what she'd said yet, like it was still trying to protect me by delaying the pain.
"I didn't—" My voice cracked immediately. I stopped. Swallowed. Tried again.
