All Chapters of Ashes of the Sky: Chapter 11 - Chapter 15

The dining hall is already packed by the time I arrive. Conversations bouncing off of the stone walls. Students move between tables carrying trays piled high with food. I hesitate near the entrance. For one stupid second, I consider turning around. Then Rowan spots me. “Oh, look.” His voice carries far too well. “The prisoner bathed.” Several heads turn. I immediately regret existing. “Rowan,” Lyra warns. “What?” He gestures toward me with his fork. “I’m complimenting her.” I make my way toward the table. As I sit, Rowan continues staring. “Seriously though.” Rowan says. I sigh. “What now?” “You have cheekbones.” I blink. Seyla bursts out laughing. Even Lyra snorts into her drink. I grab a piece of bread. “Say one more thing.” “You’ve also got eyes.” I throw the bread. Unfortunately, he catches it. “Violent.” he scoffs. “You deserve worse.” Across the table, Luca is trying, and failing, not to smile. His gaze briefly lifts to mine. For a second, he simply looks. Then a small s

"Well, I suppose it's my turn." Seyla says with a grin. It's hard to believe someone like Seyla even has any fears. I lean closer to the fire as a shiver runs down my back. More students have gathered around the fire now, eager to hear others secrets. Seyla confidently strides up to the bowl of ember bark and grabs one. She turns to the fire and throws her ember bark in swiftly. "I'm afraid of not always being able to protect the ones I love." Seyla says, not caring who hears her. The ember bark burns bright again as the fire quickly accepts her fear. Cheers erupt around us. She turns and looks at me with a reassuring smile, though it's not enough to tame my erratic heart. I think I might actually pass out. I think everyone is expecting me to say something about going back to Skyless Keep, but honestly, I'm not afraid of that. At this point in my life, I'm more afraid of simply living. I'm not sure who I even am outside of what was once my home. My parents are gone. My sister is g