Chapter 31 ~ The Invitation

Zara

I hadn’t realised how accustomed I’d grown to the ache in my ankle until it was gone. Three days later, the healer’s concoctions had erased every bruise, every swelling, every hint of my failure in the forest. My leg felt light again, almost too light, as if it no longer belonged to me. But Talia refused to let me walk alone. Each time I stood, she appeared by my side, fingers curling into mine, her head brushing my shoulder, like she was terrified I’d vanish without her noticing.

Breakfast was a quiet affair. Rain pattered against the high glass windows, streaking outside in blurred silver. Students murmured sleepily over bowls of oats and blood fruit(watermelon). I poked at mine with a fork, watching the pink juice seep into the grains until it looked like shredded flesh. I pushed the bowl away, my stomach curling.

“Eat,” Talia said softly. “You’ve been skipping meals.”

“I’m fine.” I forced a smile and reached for my water instead. She watched me for a moment longer before