Chapter 9: The Slap

Selene recovered first. She always did. She lifted her head off the pillow, and her eyes filled. "Elara… why are you here? Can't you bear it if they show me the smallest kindness?" I stared at her. "What are you talking about—" Draven's brows drew together. He looked at me — really looked, at my gray face, my shaking hands. "She's very pale," he said slowly. "Are you actually ill?" Kael shot to his feet before I could answer. "I've had enough, Elara." He pointed at my face. "You've...