Chapter 261

• There were many things Rafael couldn’t bring himself to say, so he excused himself quietly, leaving me to mull over the fragments of truth he’d shared. My mind raced as I tried to connect the dots some pieces fell into place, yet others remained frustratingly out of reach.
• Fiona noticed the tension clouding my usually composed expression. She hesitated, wanting to offer comfort, but Antern gently stopped her with a subtle shake of his head.
• “Prepare something for Ryan,” Antern said softly. “He’s been working on his writing for hours he must be exhausted.”