Chapter 178 Visitation Ii

• Onika descended from the final vehicle beside Queen Miraya, her gown was a cascade of gold-threaded silk that rippled and caught the wind like molten sunlight. The embroidery shimmered with threads so fine they seemed spun from dawn itself. Her chin was high, and her steps were unhurried. Vaelric was her beloved brother.
• Her presence was not a surprise, I had anticipated it the moment the guest list had been confirmed. Yet the moment our gazes met, the gilded perfection of the scene cracked. Onika’s eyes met mine for a heartbeat, then hardened into ice.
• My breath hitched before I could stop it. I looked away, unwilling to hand her the satisfaction of a reaction, but the flicker of guilt pressed against my ribs all the same. I could still taste the memory of what I had done to her.