Chapter 38

• Cesmae's POV
• The kitchen is quiet, the kind of stillness that makes everything feel a little too loud. I flick on the lights, the brightness chasing away the shadows that have been lurking in the corners of my mind. As I move toward the refrigerator, I feel a heaviness in my chest. The memory of Raizel’s harsh words still lingers a dull ache that refuses to fade. It’s not the first time he’s cut me down, but for some reason, this time it stings more than usual.
• I open the fridge, the cool air brushing against my face as I pull out some leftovers. I should be more careful, and more focused, but my mind keeps replaying our conversation. The way he looked at me like I was nothing more than an inconvenience. I place the food in the microwave and set the timer, trying to shake off the feeling of inadequacy.