Ren shifted in her seat, uncomfortable, doing her best to avoid the sharp, judgmental glances thrown their way. Good gods and Saints above, why did everyone act like they'd witnessed a scandal? No one batted an eye when others bedded their mates, so why in all the burning hells were these people staring at them as if waiting for a confession?
She swallowed a bite that felt more like gravel than food. If it weren't for the urgency of the situation, she would've barricaded herself in their chamber for a week, long enough for the memory to fade. But this… this night wouldn't be forgotten. Even she had to admit, it had been extraordinary. A rare alignment of stars behind the veil of shadow. The kind of night that might never come again.
"This will be the last meal we share before heading to war," Elder Dean announced calmly, though the shame still clung to his voice, no doubt thanks to his granddaughter, Elaika, and her scandalous, murderous behavior.
