Rhys
I heaved a deep sigh, trying desperately to calm my fraying nerves. I just wanted to get out of here and never set foot in a gathering like this ever again.
Everything felt suffocating — the heavy stares boring into me, the hushed side conversations that followed my every move, and the insistent way my grandfather kept pushing me to speak to Elian.
"Why don't you invite that Boy to the table?" my grandfather's voice cut in beside me, smooth but laced with malicious intent.
I slowly raised my head from the floor and drew in a deep breath. "Why?" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended. "Grandfather, I believe he is fine where he is with the team. Why should he join us at the table when he is not a Calder?"
My grandfather scoffed, the sound low and dismissive, and clasped a firm hand on my shoulder. "I have seen how the boy has suffered these past few days and I just want to offer my warm sympathy. Is it bad if I do?"
