The scent of seared meat, rich wild mushrooms, and fresh-baked bread hung in the dining hall.
Blaize was the last to join the breakfast table, her movements were careful, her eyes were swollen and pink-rimmed from a night spent crying into her pillow.
She had endured a very rough night and she was now facing an even rougher morning.
Channe's hushed, desperate tone to Zephyr had extinguished the last flicker of Blaize's hope when she had heard. She had spent every possible moment she could steal at Selene's bedside.
"G-g-good m-m-mor-morning," Blaize muttered
Across the heavy oak table, Dorianna didn't look up from the haunch of meat she was dissecting. She merely muttered a dismissive, "Hmm," around a mouthful of food. Their mother, Luna Vilka, however, offered the warmest, most comforting smile.
"How are you this morning, my darling?" Vilka asked, her voice soft.
